Prebiotic formulations and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods and compositions for treating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance and for overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. Described herein are methods and compositions for improving overall gastrointestinal health or for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to subject in need thereof a prebiotic composition, optionally in combination with effective amount of a probiotic microbe or microbes.

This application claims the benefit of, and is a continuation of, U.S.application Ser. No. 14/485,301, filed Sep. 12, 2014, which claimed thebenefit of, and was a continuation of, U.S. application Ser. No.13/770,750, filed Feb. 19, 2013 (now abandoned), which claimed thebenefit of, and was a continuation of, U.S. application Ser. No.12/707,037, filed Feb. 17, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,492,124), whichclaimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/155,150,filed Feb. 24, 2009, and 61/272,622, filed Oct. 13, 2009. Each of theabove-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to several sources, there are 30 to 50 million people in theworld who are lactose intolerant. In the 1960s and 1970s, it wasreported that 70% of the adults in the world had lactose intolerance. In1995, it was reported that 75% of the adults in the world and 25% of theadults in the U.S. were categorized as being lactose intolerant. In1994, it was reported that 75% of African Americans and Native Americansand 90% of Asian Americans had lactose intolerance. It has also beenreported that 30% of adults who are mostly North American descendants ofEuropeans have adapted to high lactase activity into adulthood. Researchconcludes that this adaptation is genetically controlled, permanent, andrelated to a long tradition of milk and milk product consumption inthese regions of the world.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts oflactose, a major natural sugar found in milk and milk products of allmammals. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzymelactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestineand is essential to lactose digestion. Lactase breaks down lactose, adisaccharide, into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose andgalactose, which are then transported across the cell membrane andabsorbed into the bloodstream. If lactase is not present, or not presentin sufficient levels, excess undigested lactose passes through the smallintestines into the large intestine where it is fermented by bacteria inthe colon (“colonic microbiota,” “gut microbiota,” “intestinalmicrobiota,” or “commensal gut microbiota”). The fermentation of lactosein the large intestine produces hydrogen and methane which can lead tobloating, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms are caused by a very lowactivity of lactase in the intestines and are found in subjects who arelactose intolerant. Not all subjects deficient in lactase have thesymptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who doare said to have lactose intolerance.

If a subject suspects that he or she has lactose intolerance, it ispotentially harmful for him or her to restrict his or her diet becauserestriction can result in a nutrition shortage or a failure to detect amore serious disease. Milk and other dairy products are major sourcesfor nutrition in the basic American diet. The primary nutrients in milkare protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Calcium isan important part of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins andminerals and any deficiency therein can lead to health risks such asosteoporosis, hypertension, or weak bone density.

Young children who have lactose intolerance are very rare. The amount ofthe enzyme lactase a body produces generally reaches a maximumimmediately after birth and then decreases in the majority of peopleduring the ages of about 3-15.

Generally, humans develop lactose intolerance from a primary orsecondary cause. The primary cause is an onset of loss of lactase thatis believed to be a permanent condition. This onset can occur at avariable period after the weaning period. The primary cause is alsogenetically determined. The secondary cause is generally a temporarycondition that occurs as a result of another disease or event thatdamages the lining of the small intestine where lactase is active. Thistemporary condition can be caused by acute diarrhea, disease, parasiticinfection, Cohn's disease, celiac disease, gastrointestinal surgery, orthe intake of certain medications.

In addition to the primary and secondary causes, certain human ethnicand racial populations have more of a predisposition for lactoseintolerance. In these populations, social and cultural habits andattitudes influence lactose intolerance. Lactose activity can alsodecrease with age in certain ethnic and racial populations, includingthose populations which have origins in Europe, the African plains, andthe Siberian Steppes. Humans who are most likely to have or developlactose intolerance include those of Asian, Middle Eastern, NorthAmerican, African, and Latin American decent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a method for increasing lactose tolerance in a subjectexperiencing one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance is providedcomprising administering a composition comprising GOS to the subjecteach day for a predetermined number of days. In one embodiment, saidcomposition further comprises a probiotic. In another embodiment, saidcomposition does not contain a probiotic. In another embodiment, saidcomposition comprises a lower dosage of GOS on the first day ofadministration than the last day of administration. In anotherembodiment, said composition comprises the same dosage of GOS on thefirst day of administration as the last day of administration. Inanother embodiment, said method comprises administering said compositiononce a day. In another embodiment, said method comprises administeringsaid composition twice a day. In another embodiment, said methodcomprises administering said composition three times a day. In anotherembodiment, said composition comprising GOS is provided as a powder, atablet, or a capsule. In another embodiment, said composition comprisingGOS is administered without a meal. In another embodiment, saidcomposition comprising GOS is administered in conjunction with a meal.In another embodiment, said composition comprising GOS is administeredwith breakfast and dinner. In another embodiment, said compositioncomprising GOS is administered with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Inanother embodiment, said one or more symptoms comprise flatulence,heartburn, stomach upset, nausea, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea,abdominal pain, cramping, or vomiting. In another embodiment, at leastabout 96% percent of the total weight of the composition is GOS.

In another aspect, a composition for increasing lactose tolerance in asubject comprising about 0.1 to 2 grams of a GOS composition isprovided, wherein said GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS byweight. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another embodiment, saidcomposition is contained within a capsule. In another embodiment, saidcapsule is a gelatin capsule. In another embodiment, said gelatincapsule comprises a viscous syrup or liquid comprising GOS. In anotherembodiment, said syrup does not contain an antioxidant or preservative.In another embodiment, said composition is contained in a tablet. Inanother embodiment, the composition further comprises a probiotic. Inanother embodiment, said GOS composition comprises an enteric coating.

In another aspect, an oral dosage form of GOS comprising about 0.1 to 2grams of a GOS composition is provided wherein said GOS composition is aviscous syrup or liquid encapsulated in a gelatin capsule. In oneembodiment, said GOS composition comprises about 80% GOS by weight. Inanother embodiment; said GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS byweight. In another embodiment, the GOS composition further comprises aprobiotic. In another embodiment, the GOS composition comprises anenteric coating.

In another aspect, an oral dosage form of GOS comprising a GOScomposition in a tablet or capsule formulated for controlled release isprovided. In one embodiment, said controlled release occurs in theintestines. In another embodiment, said GOS composition comprises anenteric coating. In another embodiment, said controlled release occursin the lower intestine. In another embodiment, the composition furthercomprises a probiotic. In one embodiment, said GOS composition comprisesan enteric coating.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety tothe same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical structure of lactulose.

FIG. 2 illustrates the chemical structure of raffinose.

FIG. 3 illustrates the chemical structure of stachyose.

FIG. 4 illustrates the chemical structure of inulin.

FIG. 5 illustrates a treatment regimen with a 70% GOS composition.

FIG. 6 illustrates another treatment regimen with a 70% GOS composition.

FIG. 7 illustrates a treatment regimen with a 90% GOS composition.

FIG. 8 illustrates another treatment regimen with a 93% GOS composition.

FIG. 9 illustrates a treatment regimen with a 95% GOS composition.

FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of different GOS with a DP of2, 3, and 4.

FIG. 11 illustrates an HPLC chromatograph of a sample containing highpurity GOS.

FIG. 12 illustrates Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM growth on 2% GOS 1(95%) or glucose.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate HPLC chromatograms of GOS compositions ofthe present invention before (13A) and after (13B) a purification step.

FIG. 14 illustrates comparative growth of L. acidophilus,Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium. breve, and Bifidobacteriumlongum on GOS 1 (95%).

FIG. 15 illustrates comparative growth of B. longum, Bifidobacteriumpseudolongum, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Bifidobacterium adolescentison glucose and GOS1 (95%).

FIG. 16 illustrates comparative growth of B. pseudolongum NCK20383 onglucose, lactose, GOS1 (95%), and GOS2 (90%).

FIG. 17 illustrates comparative growth of four bifidobacterial strainson glucose, GOS1 (95%), GOS2 (90%), and lactose.

FIG. 18 illustrates growth of 3 Escherichia coli strains in media withno added carbohydrate (control), or 2% added glucose, GOS1 (95%), orGOS2 (90%).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

I. Overview

Described herein are methods, compositions, kits, and business methodsuseful for the reduction of symptoms of lactose intolerance in a subjectin need thereof, and for improving overall gastrointestinal (GI) health.Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, heartburn, stomach upset,bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, orvomiting. Minor digestive problems related to the GI also includeoccasional bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn, or stomachupset. The methods and compositions described herein can be useful forreducing or eliminating one or more of these symptoms, for examplethrough colonic adaptation. Fructose and sorbitol malabsorption are alsocommon when lactose malabsorption is present. The methods andcompositions described herein can also be useful for reducing oreliminating malabsorption of saccharides or carbohydrates such aslactose, fructose, or sorbitol.

In one aspect of the methods described, the reduction or elimination ofsymptoms persists after treatment of a condition has concluded. Thus,the described methods need not be used on a continuous basis but rathercan be utilized for a discrete time period and then discontinued. Inanother aspect of the methods, reduction or elimination of symptoms canbe temporary, and after an amount of time has passed, treatment can beadministered when symptoms reappear to maintain the effects of themethods described herein. In yet another aspect of the methods, themethods described can be administered on a regular basis for reducingsymptoms of lactose intolerance and for improving overallgastrointestinal (GI) health.

In another aspect compositions and methods comprising a prebioticcomposition are provided that are useful for treatment of lactoseintolerance, reduction of symptoms of lactose intolerance, and forimproving overall gastrointestinal (GI) health. In one embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises one or more saccharides (herein,interchangeably also referred to as carbohydrates or sugars) which arenon-digestible by a human digestive system. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition consists essentially of a saccharide which isnon-digestible by a human digestive system. In one embodiment, the oneor more saccharides are oligosaccharides wherein the degree ofpolymerization (DP) is from 2 to 20. In one embodiment the degree ofpolymerization can be 2 (e.g., see FIG. 10), 3 (e.g., see FIG. 10), 4(e.g., see FIG. 10), 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, or 20. In another embodiment, the one or more saccharides are apolysaccharide wherein the degree of polymerization is greater than 10.In another embodiment, the saccharide comprises a mixture ofnon-digestible oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. In anotherembodiment a prebiotic composition comprises one or more digestiblesaccharides and one or more non-digestible oligosaccharides orpolysaccharides. In one embodiment the saccharide is an oligosaccharide,such as a disaccharide, a trisaccharide, a tetrasaccharide, apentasaccharide, a hexasaccharide, a heptasaccharide, an octasaccharide,a nanasaccharide, or a decasaccharide. Saccharides that are notdigestible by humans include, but are not limited to,transgalactooligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, lactulose (FIG.1), raffinose (FIG. 2), stachyose (FIG. 3), lactosucrose,fructo-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides,xylo-oligosaccharides, paratinose oligosaccharides, difructose anhydrideIII, sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol, reduced paratinose, cellulose,β-glucose, β-galactose, β-fructose, verbascose, galactinol, andβ-glucan, guar gum, pectin, high sodium alginate, and lambdacarrageenan.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises a saccharide that isinulin (FIG. 4), fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), lactulose,galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, or stachyose. In anotherembodiment the saccharide is an oligosaccharide that is non-digestibleby a human digestive system, contains at least one beta-glycosidic(e.g., beta galactosidic or beta glucosidic) bond, and would inducelactose digestion when fed to a subject in need thereof. In oneembodiment the subject in need thereof is a human. In another embodimentthe saccharide is an oligosaccharide that is non-digestible by a humandigestive system and contains at least one beta-glycosidic (e.g., betagalactosidic or beta glucosidic) bond that can be digested by abacterium. In one embodiment the bacterium is a probiotic. In oneembodiment the saccharide is an oligosaccharide that is non-digestibleby a human digestive system and contains at least one alpha-glycosidicbond. In one embodiment the bacterium is a lactobacilli or abifidobacteria. In one embodiment the saccharide is GOS.

In another embodiment the saccharide is an oligosaccharide that isnon-digestible by a human digestive system, contains at least onealpha-glycosidic (e.g., alpha galactosidic or alpha glucosidic) bond,and would induce lactose digestion when fed to a subject in needthereof. In one embodiment the subject in need thereof is a human. Inanother embodiment the saccharide is an oligosaccharide that isnon-digestible by a human digestive system and contains at least onealpha-glycosidic (e.g., alpha galactosidic or alpha glucosidic) bondthat can be metabolized by a bacterium. In one embodiment the bacteriumis a probiotic. In one embodiment the bacterium is a lactobacilli or abifidobacteria. In one embodiment the saccharide is GOS.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises at least onenon-digestible saccharide and optionally contains one or more digestiblesaccharides or oligosaccharides. Digestible saccharides are those whichare digestible by a human digestive system. In one embodiment, the oneor more digestible saccharide is lactose, galactose, or glucose. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition does not contain lactose. Inone embodiment, a prebiotic composition does not contain any probioticbacteria. In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition contains atleast one strain of probiotic bacteria.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition contains an oligosaccharidethat increases β-galactosidase activity in the large intestine. In oneembodiment, a prebiotic composition contains an oligosaccharide thatincreases the amount of probiotic activity in the large intestine.

II. Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible substances that when consumed provide abeneficial physiological effect on the host by selectively stimulatingthe favorable growth or activity of a limited number of indigenousbacteria (Gibson G R, Roberfroid M B. Dietary modulation of the humancolonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J. Nutr. 1995June; 125(6):1401-12). A prebiotic is generally a saccharide that isnon-digestible or essentially non-digestible by a human and acts toencourage the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut, increase adhesionof probiotic bacteria in the gut, displace pathogens, or provide afermentable dose of carbohydrate to probiotic bacteria (symbiotic) orselected commensal bacteria and increase the levels of those microbialpopulations (notably lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) in thegastrointestinal tract. A prebiotic can be a saccharide that isnon-digestible by the human host and can act as a non-digestible fiberin the diet. This non-digestibility is because humans lack the enzymesto break down some or all of the prebiotic oligosaccharide as it travelsthrough the digestive tract. When a prebiotic reaches the smallintestine and colon, bacteria encoding an enzyme or enzymes capable ofdigesting the prebiotic can break down the prebiotic into simple sugarsthat the bacteria can use. For example, bifidobacteria and lactobacillihave been reported to digest prebiotic saccharides.

Suitable prebiotics can include one or more of a carbohydrate,carbohydrate monomer, carbohydrate oligomer, or carbohydrate polymer. Inone embodiment, the prebiotics are non-non-digestible saccharides, whichinclude non-non-digestible monosaccharides, non-digestibleoligosaccharides, or non-non-digestible polysaccharides. In oneembodiment, the sugar units of an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide canbe linked in a single straight chain or can be a chain with one or moreside branches. The length of the oligosaccharide or polysaccharide canvary from source to source. In one embodiment, small amounts of glucosecan also be contained in the chain. In another embodiment, the prebioticcomposition can be partially hydrolyzed or contain individual sugarmoieties that are components of the primary oligosaccharide.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition described herein consistsessentially of one or more non-digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment, a prebiotic composition consists essentially of one or morenon-digestible oligosaccharides. In one embodiment, the non-digestibleoligosaccharides are GOS. In other embodiments, a composition describedherein consists essentially of non-digestible GOS and does not contain aprobiotic microbe, or microbes.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition of the invention allows thecolonic microbiota, comprising microorganisms known to increase theability of a subject to tolerate fermentable carbohydrates, to beregularly maintained or replenished through consumption of the prebioticcomposition. In one embodiment, adaptation of the intestinal and colonicmicrobiota increases the intestine and colon's capacity to use lactosewithout producing gas. Adaptive changes in microbiota of thegastrointestinal tract can be useful for the reduction of bloating,diarrhea, gastric distention, pain, or flatulence from the consumptionof dairy products and other lactose containing compositions. In oneembodiment, tolerance of a human subject to dairy products, in general,can be improved through regular consumption of a prebiotic composition.

Prebiotics can promote colonic bacteria that slow fermentation. Forexample, FOS, neosugar, or inulin promote the growth of acid-formingbacteria in the colon such as bacteria belonging to the generaLactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. For instance, Lactobacillusacidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus can play a role in reducing thenumber of pathogenic bacteria in the colon. Additional properties, suchas the effect of prebiotics on colonic pH and stool bulking provide fortheir classification as dietary fibers. In experimental models,prebiotics can improve the bioavailability of essential minerals. As afiber, prebiotics are thought to slow digestion. Other polymers, such asvarious galactans and carbohydrate based gums, such as psyllium, guar,carrageen, gellan, and konjac, are also known to improvegastrointestinal (GI) health. The carbohydrate lactulose can alsoimprove GI health.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises one or more of GOS,lactulose, raffinose, stachyose, lactosucrose, FOS (i.e. oligofructoseor oligofructan), inulin, isomalto-oligosaccharide,xylo-oligosaccharide, paratinose oligosaccharide, transgalactosylatedoligosaccharides (i.e. transgalacto-oligosaccharides),transgalactosylate disaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides (i.e.soyoligosaccharides), gentiooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharides,pecticoligosaccharides, palatinose polycondensates, difructose anhydrideIII, sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol, polyols, polydextrose, reducedparatinose, cellulose, β-glucose, β-galactose, β-fructose, verbascose,galactinol, and β-glucan, guar gum, pectin, high, sodium alginate, andlambda carrageenan, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, a prebioticcomposition comprises a mixture of one or more non-digestibleoligosaccharides, non-digestible polysaccharides, free monosaccharides,non-digestible saccharides, starch, or non-starch polysaccharides. Inone embodiment, a prebiotic component of a prebiotic composition is aGOS composition.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition reduces or eliminates one ormore symptoms associated with lactose intolerance or with lactosedigestive problems, including but not limited to cramps, flatulence,stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, gastric distentionand intestinal pain, in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment thesubject is a patient. In another embodiment the subject is a human. Inanother embodiment the subject is a non-human animal.

The term “about” means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus10% of that referenced numeric indication.

The term “percent by weight,” as used in reference to the percent byweight of a component in a composition, means the percentage of thecomponent's weight in comparison to the total dry weight of thecomposition.

A. Oligosaccharide Structure

Oligosaccharides are generally considered to have a reducing end and anon-reducing end, whether or not the saccharide at the reducing end isin fact a reducing sugar. In accordance with accepted nomenclature, mostoligosaccharides are depicted herein with the non-reducing end on theleft and the reducing end on the right. Most oligosaccharides describedherein are described with the name or abbreviation for the non-reducingsaccharide (e.g., Gal or D-Gal), preceded or followed by theconfiguration of the glycosidic bond (α or β), the ring bond, the ringposition of the reducing saccharide involved in the bond, and then thename or abbreviation of the reducing saccharide (e.g., Glc or D-Glc).The linkage (e.g., glycosidic linkage, galactosidic linkage, glucosidiclinkage) between two sugar units can be expressed, for example, as 1, 4,1-->4, or (1-4) Each saccharide is in the cyclic form (i.e. pyranose orfuranose form). For example, lactose is a disaccharide composed ofcyclic forms of galactose and glucose joined by a beta (1-4) linkagewhere the acetal oxygen bridge is in the beta orientation. Lactoseexists as alpha- and beta-lactose (see structures below). β-lactose canbe expressed as β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-4) β-D-glucopyranose,β-D-Gal-(1-4)-β-D-Glc or as Gal β (1-4)-Glc. α-lactose can be expressedas β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-4) α-D-glucopyranose, β-D-Gal-(1-4)-α-D-Glcor as Gal (1-4)-Glc.

Both FOS and GOS are non-digestible saccharides. β glycosidic linkagesof saccharides, such as those found in, but not limited to, FOS and GOS,make these prebiotics mainly non-digestible and unabsorbable in thestomach and small intestine (see below). Also, α-linked GOS (α-GOS) isnot hydrolyzed by human salivary amylase, but can be used byBifidobacterium bifidum and Clostridium butyricum (Yamashita A. et al.(2004) J. Appl. Glycosci. 51:115-122). FOS and GOS can pass through thesmall intestine and into the large intestine (colon) mostly intact,except where probiotic and commensal microbes are able to metabolize theoligosaccharides.

GOS

1. Introduction

GOS (also known as galacto-oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides,trans-oligosaccharide (TOS), trans-galacto-oligosaccharide (TGOS), andtrans-galactooligosaccharide) are oligomers or polymers of galactosemolecules ending mainly with a glucose or sometimes ending with agalactose molecule and have varying degree of polymerization (generallythe DP is between 2-20) and type of linkages. In one embodiment, GOScomprises galactose and glucose molecules. In another embodiment, GOScomprises only galactose molecules. In a further embodiment, GOS aregalactose-containing oligosaccharides of the form of[β-D-Gal-(1-6)]_(n)-β-D-Gal-(1-4)-D-Glc wherein n is 2-20. In anotherembodiment, GOS are galactose-containing oligosaccharides of the formGlc α1-4-[βGal 1-6]_(n) where n=2-20. In another embodiment, GOS are inthe form of α-D-Glc where n=2-20. Gal is a galactopyranose unit and Glc(or Glu) is a glucopyranose unit.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOS-relatedcompound. A GOS-related compound can have the following properties: a) a“lactose” moiety; e.g., GOS with a gal-glu moiety and any polymerizationvalue or type of linkage; or b) be stimulatory to “lactose fermenting”microbes in the human GI tract; for example, raffinose (gal-fru-glu) isa “related” GOS compound that is stimulatory to both lactobacilli andbifidobacteria.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS with a lowdegree of polymerization. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS with a low degree of polymerization increases growth ofprobiotic and select commensal bacteria to a greater extent than anequivalent amount of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS with a highdegree of polymerization. In one embodiment, a prebiotic compositioncomprising a high percentage of GOS with a low degree of polymerizationincreases growth of probiotic and beneficial commensal bacteria to agreater extent than an equivalent amount of a prebiotic compositioncomprising a low percentage of GOS with a low degree of polymerization.In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS with a degree ofpolymerization less than 20, such as less than 10, less than 9, lessthan 8, less than 7, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, or less than3. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition comprising GOS with alow degree of polymerization increases growth of probiotic and/orbeneficial commensal microbes in the GI tract of a subject.

2. GOS Synthesis

GOS is found in human and bovine maternal milk. GOS can be produced fromlactose syrup using the transgalactosylase activity of the enzymeβ-galactosidase (Crittenden, (1999) Probiotics: A Critical Review.Tannock, G. (ed) Horizon Scientific Press, Wymondham, pp. 141-156).β-D-galactosidase is known to catalyze not only the hydrolysis of theβ-D-galactoside linkage of lactose to give D-glucose and D-galactose butalso to carry out transgalactosylation reactions where the D-galactosylgroup of a β-D-galactoside is transferred onto a hydroxylated acceptor.For example, when a β-D-galactoside such as lactose or anothercarbohydrate is present, it is possible to obtain new glycoside linkagesbetween the D-galactose unit and the acceptor. The starting galactosidesuch as lactose can also be present in a GOS mixture following thetransgalactosylation reactions. As used herein, GOS comprises one ormore saccharides that have been produced from a glycoside and thetransgalactosylation reaction of a β-galactosidase. Thus, GOS includessaccharides such as transgalactosylated oligosaccharides (i.e.transgalacto-oligosaccharides) or transgalactosylate disaccharides. TheDP of the formed oligosaccharide can vary, typically from 2-20,depending on the enzyme source. In one embodiment, a GOS composition isa blend of one more saccharides with a DP range of 2-6 (i.e. di-throughhexasaccharides). In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a blend ofone or more saccharides with a DP range of 2-8 (i.e. di-throughoctasaccharides). In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a blend ofone or more saccharides with a DP range of greater than 8. In yetanother embodiment, a GOS composition is a blend of one or moresaccharides with a DP range of 9-15. In another embodiment, a GOScomposition is a blend of one or more saccharides with a DP of 1, a DPrange of 2-6, a DP range of 6-8, and DP range of greater than 8.

3. GOS Linkages

Linkages between the individual sugar units found in GOS includeβ-(1-6), β(1-4), β(1-3) and β-(1-2) linkages. β-(1-3) linkages are lesscommon than β-(1-6) or β-(1-4) linkages. In one embodiment, GOScomprises a number of β-(1-6) linked or β-(1-4) galactopyranosyl unitslinked to a terminal glucopyranosyl residue through an α-(1-4)glycosidic bond. In another embodiment, GOS comprises a number ofβ-(1-6) linked or β-(1-4) galactopyranosyl units linked to a terminalglucopyranosyl residue through a β(1-4) glycosidic bond. In anotherembodiment, GOS formed by transgalactosylation compriseβ-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-3) linkages. In one embodiment, GOS are branchedsaccharides. Branched oligosaccharides can be formed as an artifact ofthe transgalactosylation reaction. In another embodiment, GOS are linearsaccharides. Non-limiting GOS examples include the following shownbelow:

The source of the β-galactosidase can determine the GOS end productsfrom transgalactosylation reactions. For example, β-galactosidase fromStreptococcus thermophilus can produce a collection oftransgalactosylated disaccharides including Galβ (1-6) Glc, Galβ (1-3)Glc, Galβ (1-2) Glc, and Galβ (1-6) Gal (Matsumoto et al., (1992),Chapter 5: Galactooligosaccharides, in Japanese Technology Reviews, ed.by Karbe, I., Gordon and Breach, NY, pp. 90-160). Transgalactosylatedoligosaccharides (TOS) can be produced using (3-galactosidase fromAspergillus oryzae (Tanaka et al, (1983) Bifidobacteria Microflora, 2,17-24), and consists of tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexa-GOS. In anotherembodiment GOS are prepared using β-galactosidase from A. oryzae andStreptococcus thermophilus (Ito et al., (1990), Microbial Ecology inHealth and Disease, 3, 285-292) and contains 36% tri-, tetra-, penta-and hexa-GOS, 16% disaccharides galactosyl-glucose andgalactosyl-galactose, 38% monosaccharides, and 10% lactose.

In one embodiment a strain of Bifidobacterium bifidum (for example,accession number NCIMB 41171) produces a galactosidase activity thatconverts lactose to a GOS mixture comprising the disaccharide Gal α(1-6) Gal, at least one trisaccharide selected from Gal (3(1-6)-Gal(1-4)-Glc and Gal β (1-3)-Gal (1-4)-Glc, the tetrasaccharide Gal β(1-6)-Gal β (1-6)-Gal β (1-4)-Glc and the pentasaccharide Gal β(1-6)-Gal β (1-6)-Gal β (1-6)-Gal β (1-4)-Glc. In one embodiment, a GOScomposition is a mixture of 10 to 45% w/v of the disaccharide, 10 to 45%w/v of the trisaccharide, 10 to 45% w/v of the tetrasaccharide and 10 to45% w/v of the pentasaccharide.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture ofoligosaccharides comprising 20-28% by weight of β (1-3) linkages, 20-25%by weight of β (1-4) linkages, and 45-55% by weight of β (1-6) linkages.In one embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of oligosaccharidescomprising 26% by weight of β (1-3) linkages, 23% by weight of β (1-4)linkages, and 51% by weight of β (1-6) linkages.

Alpha-GOS (also called alpha-bond GOS or alpha-linked GOS) areoligosaccharides having an alpha-galactopyranosyl group. Alpha-GOScomprises at least one alpha glycosidic linkage between the saccharideunits. Alpha-GOS are generally represented by α-(Gal)_(n) (n usuallyrepresents an integer of 2 to 10) or α-(Gal)_(n) Glc (n usuallyrepresents an integer of 1 to 9). Examples include a mixture ofα-galactosylglucose, α-galactobiose, α-galactotriose, α-galactotetraose,and higher oligosaccharides. Additional non-limiting examples includemelibiose, manninootriose, raffinose, stachyose, and the like, which canbe produced from beat, soybean oligosaccharide, and the like.

Commercially available and enzyme synthesized alpha-GOS products arealso useful for the compositions described herein. Synthesis ofalpha-GOS with an enzyme is conducted utilizing the dehydrationcondensation reaction of α-galactosidase with the use of galactose,galactose-containing substance, or glucose as a substrate. Thegalactose-containing substance includes hydrolysates ofgalactose-containing substances, for example, a mixture of galactose andglucose obtained by allowing beta-galactosidase to act on lactose, andthe like. Glucose can be mixed separately with galactose and be used asa substrate with α-galactosidase (see e.g., WO 02/18614). Methods ofpreparing alpha-GOS have been described (see e.g., EP1514551 andEP2027863).

In one embodiment, a GOS composition comprises a mixture of saccharidesthat are alpha-GOS and saccharides that are produced bytransgalactosylation using (3-galactosidase. In another embodiment, GOScomprises alpha-GOS. In another embodiment, alpha-GOS comprises α-(Gal)₂from 10% to 100% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS comprises onlysaccharides that are produced by transgalactosylation usingβ-galactosidase.

In one embodiment, a GOS composition can comprise GOS with alphalinkages and beta linkages.

4. GOS Saccharide Unit Composition

In one embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of oligosaccharidescomprising 1-20% by weight of di-saccharides, 1-20% by weighttri-saccharides, 1-20% by weight tetra-saccharide, and 1-20% by weightpenta-saccharides. In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixtureof oligosaccharides consisting essentially of 1-20% by weight ofdi-saccharides, 1-20% by weight tri-saccharides, 1-20% by weighttetra-saccharide, and 1-20% by weight penta-saccharides. In oneembodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of oligosaccharidescomprising 1-20% by weight of saccharides with DP of 1-3, 1-20% byweight of saccharides with DP of 4-6, 1-20% by weight of saccharideswith DP of 7-9, and 1-20% by weight of saccharides with DP of 10-12,1-20% by weight of saccharides with DP of 13-15.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio ofsaccharides with a DP of 2:3:4:5:6.

In one embodiment, a GOS composition is a 1:2:3:2:1:1 ratio ofsaccharides with a DP of 1:2:3:4:5:6.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a (12 to 13):(4 to 5):1ratio of saccharides with a DP of 3:4:5. In one embodiment, a GOScomposition is a 12.3:4.8:1 ratio of saccharides with a DP of 3:4:5. Inone embodiment, a GOS composition is a (8-10):(10-15):(4-6):(1-3) ratioof saccharides with a DP of 2:3:4:5.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture ofoligosaccharides comprising 50-55% by weight of di-saccharides, 20-30%by weight tri-saccharides, 10-20% by weight tetra-saccharide, and 1-10%by weight penta-saccharides. In one embodiment, a GOS composition is amixture of oligosaccharides comprising 52% by weight of di-saccharides,26% by weight tri-saccharides, 14% by weight tetra-saccharide, and 5% byweight penta-saccharides.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture ofoligosaccharides comprising 45-55% by weight tri-saccharides, 15-25% byweight tetra-saccharides, 1-10% by weight penta-saccharides. In anotherembodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of oligosaccharidescomprising 49.3% by weight tri-saccharides, 19% by weighttetra-saccharides, 4% by weight penta-saccharides.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture ofoligosaccharides comprising 2-5% by weight of a mixture of tri- tohexa-saccharides, 25-35% by weight Galβ (1-6) Glc, 5-15% by weight Galβ(1-3) Glc, 5-15% by weight Galβ (1-2) Glc, 25-30% by weight Galβ (1-6)Gal, and 1-5% by weight Galβ (1-3) Gal, and optionally further containsone or more digestible saccharides or oligosaccharides. In anotherembodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of oligosaccharidescomprising 3.9% by weight of a mixture of tri- to hexa-saccharides,32.6% by weight Galβ (1-6) Glc, 7.6% by weight Galβ (1-3) Glc, 9.4% byweight Galβ (1-2) Glc, 27.2% by weight Galβ (1-6) Gal, and 2.5% Galβ(1-3) Gal, and optionally further contains one or more digestiblesaccharides or oligosaccharides. Digestible saccharides oroligosaccharides are carbohydrates that can be digested by the humandigestive system, and include but are not limited to lactose, galactose,or glucose. In one embodiment digestible saccharides found in a GOScomposition comprise lactose, galactose, or glucose. In anotherembodiment, a GOS composition is a mixture of non-digestibleoligosaccharides and lactose, glucose or galactose. In anotherembodiment, a GOS composition is composed of 62% by weightoligosaccharides and 38% digestible saccharides.

5. GOS and Saccharimetric Measurement

In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises a mixture ofoligosaccharides, wherein the composition has a saccharimetricmeasurement at least about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or100 degrees Brix. In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises amixture of oligosaccharides, wherein the composition has asaccharimetric measurement of between about 50-100, 50-80, 60-80, or70-80 degrees Brix. In another embodiment, a GOS composition has asaccharimetric measurement of between about 72 and 78 degrees Brix. Forexample, a GOS composition can comprise greater than about 93% GOS andhave a saccharimetric degree of 75 degrees BrixIn another embodiment, aGOS composition can comprise greater than about 93% GOS, less than about5% digestible saccharides (such as lactose, glucose, and galactose), andhave a saccharimetric degree of 75.+−.degrees Brix. In yet anotherembodiment, a GOS composition can comprise greater than about 93% GOS,less than about 5% digestible saccharides, less than about 10 ppm heavymetals, less than 0.1% sulphated ash, and have a saccharimetricmeasurement of 75 degrees Brix.

6. Percentages and Amounts of GOS in Prebiotic Compositions

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOScomposition wherein the GOS composition comprises 1-100% by weight GOS.The percentage by weight of GOS refers to the weight of GOS relative tothe total dry weight of the GOS composition. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 1% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 5% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 10% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 20% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 30% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 40% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 50% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 60% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 70% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises 72.3% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 80% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 85% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 90% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 91% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 92% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 93% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 94% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 95% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 96% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 97% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 98% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 99% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 100% by weight GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises between 0.1% and 100% GOS. In another embodiment,a prebiotic composition comprises a GOS composition wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%,11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%,25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%,39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%,53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%,67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79% 80%,81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 100% by weight GOS. The percentage byweight of GOS refers to the weight of GOS relative to the total dryweight of the prebiotic or GOS composition.

In another embodiments, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOScomposition, wherein the GOS composition comprises about 90%, 90.1%,90.2%, 90.3%, 90.4%, 90.5%, 90.6%, 90.7%, 90.8%, 90.9%, 91%, 91.1%,91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, 91.6%, 91.7%, 91.8%, 91.9%, 92%, 92.1%,92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, 92.6%, 92.7%, 92.8%, 92.9%, 93%, 93.1%,93.2%, 93.3%, 93.4%, 93.5%, 93.6%, 93.7%, 93.8%, 93.9%, 94%, 94.1%,94.2%, 94.3%, 94.4%, 94.5%, 94.6%, 94.7%, 94.8%, 94.9%, 95%, 95.1%,95.2%, 95.3%, 95.4%, 95.5%, 95.6%, 95.7%, 95.8%, 95.9%, 96%, 96.1%,96.2%, 96.3%, 96.4%, 96.5%, 96.6%, 96.7%, 96.8%, 96.9%, 97%, 97.1%.97.2%, 97.3%, 97.4%, 97.5%, 97.6%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 97.9%, 98%, 98.1%,98.2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99%, 99.1%,99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, 100% by weightGOS. The percentage by weight of GOS refers to the weight of GOSrelative to the total dry weight of the prebiotic or GOS composition.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOScomposition wherein the GOS composition comprises about 1-90%, about10-90%, about 20-90%, about 30-90%, about 40-90%, about 40-80%, about40-70%, about 40-60%, about 40-50%, about 50-90%, about 50-80%, about50-70%, about 50-60%, about 60-90%, about 60-80%, about 60-70%, about70-90%, about 70-80%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about 80-90%, about90-96%, about 93-96%, about 93-95%, about 94-98%, about 93-99%, or about90-100% by weight GOS. The percentage by weight of GOS refers to theweight of GOS relative to the total dry weight of the prebiotic or GOScomposition.

In another embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises 0.01-20 g of aGOS composition, such as about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07,0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11,11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18,18.5, 19, 19.5, or about 20 g of GOS composition. In another embodimenta prebiotic composition comprises about 0.1-2 g of a GOS composition.

A prebiotic product can comprise GOS for improving gut health bypromoting the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. In one embodiment,metabolism of a GOS composition by lactobacilli and bifidobacteriayields organic acids and other agents that inhibit enteric pathogens. Inanother embodiment, a GOS composition provides a selective advantage fororganisms in the gut that can use them. In another embodiment, a GOScomposition acts as anti-adhesives for bacteria in the gut. In anotherembodiment a mixture of oligosaccharides is useful for the preparationof a medicament for preventing the adhesion of pathogens or toxinsproduced by pathogens to the gut wall.

In one embodiment a composition is provided that comprises a suitableamount of a prebiotic composition that is effective for promoting thegrowth of probiotics such that fermentation in the gut is slowed orgastrointestinal health is improved. In one embodiment prebiotics can beadministered in an amount per serving from about 1 mg to about 20 g, orabout 1 mg to about 15 g, or about 1 mg to about 10 g, or about 1 mg toabout 5 g, or about 2 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 2 mg to about 500mg, or about 2 mg to about 200 mg, or about 2 mg to about 100 mg, orabout 2 mg to about 50 mg, or about 2 mg to about 20 mg, or about 5 mgto about 10 mg, or about 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, or 10 mg or about 0.25 g toabout 1.7 g. In another embodiment a prebiotic can be administered in anamount per serving of about 1 g, about 2 g, about 3 g, about 4 g, about5 g, about 6 g, about 7 g, about 8 g, about 9 g, about 10 g, about 11 g,about 12 g, about 13 g, about 14 g, about 15 g, about 16 g, about 17 g,about 18 g, about 19 g, or about 20 g. In another embodiment, theprebiotic used can be from about 0.1 g to about 15 g, or about 0.1 g toabout 1 g, or about 0.1 g to about 0.5 g or about 0.1 g to about 2 g, orabout 0.5 g to about 1 g, or about 0.2 g to about 1 g, or about 1 g toabout 5 g, or about 1 g to about 15 g per serving. In one embodiment,the smallest effective amount of prebiotic is used. The prebiotic can beabout 0.5% to about 100% by weight of a prebiotic composition.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition (e.g., GOS) can beadministered in a dose from about 1 mg to about 25 g, or about 1 mg toabout 5 g, or about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 1 mg to about 500mg, or about 1 mg to about 200 mg, or about 1 mg to about 100 mg, orabout 1 mg to about 50 mg, or about 2 mg to about 20 mg, or about 5 mgto about 10 mg, or about 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, or 10 mg.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition is used in a dose ofabout 7.5 mg. In one embodiment the dose of a prebiotic compositionadministered to a subject can be increased from about 1 g to about 10 gover time. In one embodiment an initial dose of a prebiotic compositioncan be 1-3 grams. This dose can be increased over time (e.g., days or aweek) so that the final dose is about 10 g of GOS.

7. GOS and Other Components of GOS Compositions

Table 1 contains data from a certificate of analysis of a 96.8% GOScomposition, illustrating other components that can be in a prebioticcomposition comprising a GOS composition.

TABLE 1 CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS Test Results Refractometric driedsubstance 7.65° B × RDS Purity GOS 96.8% Related substances Lactose 2.0%Glucoase <0.1% Galactose 1.1% Density 1,383 g/ml Color (420 nm) 0.041A.U. Appearance of solution Clear pH (10% solution) 5.8 Conductance (10%solution) 22.7 μS/cm Viscosity 7295 cP Organic Volatile ImpuritiesMethanol 17.0 ppm Ethanol <10 ppm Heavy metals (Pb²⁺) <10 ppm Sulphatedashes 0.07% Specific optical rotation +44.6° T.A.M.C. (total aerobicmicrobial count) 40 cfu/ml T.Y.M.C. (total combined Yeasts and Moldscount) 5 cfu/ml Salmonella s. Absent cfu/10 ml Escherichia coli Absentcfu/ml

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOS compositionwherein the GOS composition comprises about 70% by weight GOS, about 3%by weight moisture, about 30% by weight other saccharides, about 0.1% byweight ash, about 1 ppm heavy metal (e.g., Pb), and about 1 ppm arsenic(As₂O₃). In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOScomposition wherein the GOS composition comprises about 70-75% by weightGOS, about 1-3% by weight moisture, about 20% by weight lactose, lessthan 1% by weight glucose, less than 1% by weight galactose, about 0.1%by weight ash, about 1 ppm heavy metal (e.g., Pb), and about 1 ppmarsenic (As₂O₃).

In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises GOS and one or more ofwater or digestible saccharides. In one embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavy metal (such as arsenic orlead), including but not limited to less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5,4, 3, 2, or 1 ppm of a heavy metal. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises less than about 0.10% sulphated ash, including butnot limited to less than about 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2,or 0.1% sulphated ash. In another embodiment, a GOS composition cancomprise greater than about 90% GOS, less than about 5% digestiblesaccharides, less than about 10 ppm of heavy metals, and less than about0.10% sulphated ash. In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprisesless than about 5000 ppm ethanol and less than about 3000 ppm methanol.In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises a bacterial count ofless than about 100 cfu/g, and a mold count of less than about 10 cfu/g.

In one embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 1-90%, about10-90%, about 20-90%, about 30-90%, about 40-90%, about 40-80%, about40-70%, about 40-60%, about 40-50%, about 50-90%, about 50-80%, about50-70%, about 50-60%, about 60-90%, about 60-80%, about 60-70%, about70-90%, about 70-80%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about 80-90%, about92-100%, about 93-99%, about 94-98%, about 92-96%, about 93-96%, orabout 93-95% by weight GOS and less than about 10 ppm heavy metals andless than about 0.10% sulphated ash. Standard analytical methods can beused to determine the amount of the various components in the prebioticor GOS composition, such as but not limited to HPLC, colorimetry (e.g.,sodium sulfide colorimetry), or spectrophotometry (e.g., atomicabsorption spectrophotometry).

In another embodiment, the absorbance of a GOS composition at about A₄₂₀can be from about 0.3 AU to about 0.6 AU. In another embodiment, the pHof a GOS composition can be from about 3 to about 7. In one embodiment,the conductance of a GOS composition can be less than about 100 μS/cm.

FIG. 11 illustrates an HPLC chromatograph of a sample of one embodimentof a high purity GOS composition.

8. GOS and Digestible Saccharides

In one embodiment, a GOS composition can comprise about 1-5% digestiblesaccharides, such as lactose, glucose or galactose. In anotherembodiment, a GOS composition can comprise about 0.001 to about 1%glucose or about 0.01 to about 0.1% glucose. In another embodiment, aGOS composition can comprise about 0.1% galactose to about 2% galactose.In another embodiment, the density of a GOS composition can be about1200 to about 1500 g/mL.

In one embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 1-90%, about 1-80%,about 1-70%, about 1-60%, about 1-50%, about 1-40%, about 40-90%, about40-80%, about 40-70%, about 40-60%, about 40-50%, about 50-90%, about50-80%, about 50-70%, about 50-60%, about 60-90%, about 60-80%, about60-70%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about80-90%, about 90-96%, about 93-96%, about 93-95%, about 94-98%, about93-99%, or about 92-100% by weight GOS and no digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a GOS compositionwherein the GOS composition comprises about 1-90%, about 1-80%, about1-70%, about 1-60%, about 1-50%, about 1-40%, about 40-90%, about40-80%, about 40-70%, about 40-60%, about 40-50%, about 50-90%, about50-80%, about 50-70%, about 50-60%, about 60-90%, about 60-80%, about60-70%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about 70-90%, about 70-80%, about80-90%, about 92-100%, about 93-99%, about 94-98%, about 92-96%, about93-96%, or about 93-95% by weight GOS and less than about 6% (such asabout 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1%) digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 70% GOS and about20% digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises about 70-75% GOS and about 5-30% digestible saccharides.

In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 1%, 5%, 10%,15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, or 95% by weight GOS and about 1-10% by weightdigestible saccharides. In one embodiment these digestible saccharidesare byproducts of the GOS synthesis process.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 92% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 92% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 92%GOS and about 8% digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 92% GOS and no digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 92% GOS and nolactose, glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises about 92% GOS and about 1-8% digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 92% by weight GOSand about 8% by weight digestible saccharides. In another embodiment aGOS composition comprises about 92% by weight GOS and about 5% by weightdigestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93%GOS and about 7% digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 93% GOS and no lactose. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93% GOS and no lactose,glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprisesabout 93% GOS and about 1-7% digestible saccharides.

In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93% by weightGOS and about 1-7% by weight digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 93% by weight GOS and about7% by weight digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 93% by weight GOS and about 5% by weightdigestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 94% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 94% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 94%GOS and about 6% digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 94% GOS and no lactose. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 94% GOS and no lactose,glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprisesabout 94% GOS and about 1-6% digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 94% by weight GOS and about5% by weight digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95%by weight GOS and about 5% by weight digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS and no lactose. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS and nolactose, glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises about 95% GOS and about 1-5% digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 95% by weight GOSand about 1-5% by weight digestible saccharides, such as digestiblesaccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96%by weight GOS and about 4% by weight digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS and no lactose. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS and nolactose, glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises about 96% GOS and about 1-4% digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 96% by weight GOSand about 1-4% by weight digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 97% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 97% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 97%GOS and about 3% digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 97% GOS and no lactose. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 97% GOS and no lactose,glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprisesabout 97% GOS and about 1-3% digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 97% by weight GOS and about1-3% by weight digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 97% by weight GOS and about 3% by weightdigestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 98% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 98% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 98%by weight GOS and about 2% by weight digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 98% GOS and no lactose. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 98% GOS and nolactose, glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS compositioncomprises about 98% GOS and about 0.1-2% digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99% GOS. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99% GOS and digestiblesaccharides. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99%GOS and lactose, glucose, galactose or a combination thereof. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99% by weight GOS and about1% by weight digestible saccharides. In another embodiment a GOScomposition comprises about 99% GOS and no lactose. In anotherembodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99% GOS and no lactose,glucose, or galactose. In another embodiment a GOS composition comprisesabout 99% GOS and about 0.1-1% digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 100% GOS.

In some embodiments, a GOS composition comprises about 1%, about 2%,about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%,about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% by weight of digestible saccharides.In another embodiment a GOS composition comprises about 99.9%, 99.5%,99%, 98.5%, 98%, 97.5%, 97%, 96.5%, 96%, 95.5%, 95%, 94.5%, 94%, 93.5%,93%, 92.5%, 92%, 91.5%, 91%, 90.5%, 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%,50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1% by weight GOS andone or more digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS. In oneembodiment a prebiotic composition consists essentially of GOS. In oneembodiment a prebiotic composition consists essentially of GOS and isprepared or administered without any lactose. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition consists essentially of GOS and comprises one ormore digestible saccharides such as lactose, galactose, or glucose.These digestible saccharides can be present in trace amounts (e.g., lessthan 5% by weight of the composition) and can be byproducts of thesynthesis of the GOS.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprising GOS comprises about70% GOS and about 30% digestible saccharides by weight. For example, 8 gof a prebiotic composition comprising GOS can comprise 5.6 g of GOS, 1.6g lactose, and 0.8 g of other digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprising GOS, andoptionally digestible carbohydrates, are used in a method to stimulatelactose fermenting commensal microbes of the human gastrointestinaltract in an adaptation process designed to alleviate lactose intolerancesymptoms. In one embodiment, gradual feeding of a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS, at increasing doses over a defined time frame, can adaptthe lactose fermenting commensal microbes to efficiently metabolizelactose in lactose-intolerant individuals. In one embodiment thisadaptation is permanent.

9. GOS and Non-Digestible Saccharides

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises an effective amountof GOS and optionally another non-digestible saccharide. In oneembodiment a prebiotic composition increases Beta-galactosidase activityof species of the Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium species. Inanother embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises an effective amountof GOS or another non-digestible saccharide to increase the lactaseactivity of intestinal bacteria (e.g., Lactobacilllus and/orBifidobacterium) which breaks down the lactose that is not digested by alactose intolerant human.

In one embodiment a method of treatment is provided for the use of GOSand optionally another non-digestible saccharide to increaseBeta-galactosidase activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. Inanother embodiment a method of treatment is provided for the use of GOSand optionally another non-digestible saccharide to increase the lactaseactivity of intestinal bacteria (e.g., lactobacilli or bifidobacteria).In another embodiment a method of treatment is provided for the use ofGOS and optionally another non-digestible saccharide to prevent, treat,or reduce a symptom of lactose intolerance in a human. In anotherembodiment a symptom of lactose intolerance in a human is treated,prevented, or reduced by administration of a composition comprising GOSand optionally another non-digestible saccharide.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises between 80-99.9% GOSand no lactose. In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprisesbetween 80-99.9% GOS and 20%-0.1% digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises between 80-99.9% GOS,between 0.1-20% digestible saccharides, and between 0.1-20%non-digestible saccharides other than GOS.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprising GOS comprises about90% GOS and no lactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS can comprise about 7.2 g of GOS. In another embodiment, aprebiotic composition comprises about 90% GOS and about 5% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.2 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises about 90% GOS,about 5% digestible saccharide, and about 2% non-digestible saccharidesother than GOS. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprisingGOS can comprise about 7.2 g of GOS, about 0.4 g digestible saccharide,and about 0.16 g of other non-digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprising GOS comprises about91% GOS and no lactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS can comprise about 7.28 g of GOS. In another embodiment,a prebiotic composition comprises about 91% GOS and about 5% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.28 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises about 91% GOS,about 5% digestible saccharides, and about 2% non-digestible saccharidesother than GOS. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprisingGOS can comprise about 7.28 g of GOS, about 0.4 g of digestiblesaccharides, and about 0.16 g of other non-digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprising GOS comprises about92% GOS and no lactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS can comprise about 7.36 g of GOS. In another embodiment,a prebiotic composition comprises about 92% GOS and about 5% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.36 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises about 92% GOS,about 5% digestible saccharides, and about 2% non-digestible saccharidesother than GOS. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprisingGOS can comprise about 7.36 g of GOS, about 0.4 g of digestiblesaccharides, and about 0.16 g of other non-digestible.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 93% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.44 g of GOS. In another embodiment, a prebioticcomposition comprises about 93% GOS and about 5% digestible saccharides.For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS can comprise7.44 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises about 93% GOS, about 5%digestible saccharides, and about 2% non-digestible saccharides otherthan GOS. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.44 g of GOS, about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides, andabout 0.16 g of other non-digestible.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 94% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.52 g of GOS. In another embodiment, a prebioticcomposition comprises about 94% GOS and about 5% digestible saccharides.For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS can comprise7.52 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides. In anotherembodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises about 94% GOS, about 5%digestible saccharides, and about 1% non-digestible saccharides otherthan GOS. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.52 g of GOS, about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides, andabout 0.08 g of other non-digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 95% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.6 g of GOS. In another embodiment, a prebioticcomposition comprises about 95% GOS and about 5% digestible saccharides.For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS can comprise7.6 g of GOS and about 0.4 g of digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 96% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.68 g of GOS. In other embodiments, a prebioticcomposition comprising about 96% GOS comprises about 4% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.68 g of GOS and about 0.32 g of digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 97% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.76 g of GUS. In other embodiments, a prebioticcomposition comprising about 97% GOS comprises about 3% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.76 g of GOS and about 0.24 g of digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 98% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.84 g of GOS. In other embodiments, a prebioticcomposition comprising about 96% GOS comprises about 2% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.84 g of GOS and about 0.16 g of digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 99% GOS and nolactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOS cancomprise about 7.92 g of GOS. In other embodiments, a prebioticcomposition comprising about 99% GOS comprises about 1% digestiblesaccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise 7.92 g of GOS and about 0.08 g of digestible saccharides.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises about 100% GOS andno lactose. For example 8 g of a prebiotic composition comprising GOScan comprise about 8.0 g of GOS. In other embodiments, a prebioticcomposition comprising about 99.9% GOS comprises less than about 1%digestible saccharides. For example, 8 g of a prebiotic compositioncomprising GOS can comprise 8.0 g of GOS and about 0.1 g of digestiblesaccharides.

10. GOS Effects

In one embodiment a GOS composition reduces or eliminates one or moresymptoms associated with lactose intolerance or with lactose digestiveproblems, including but not limited to cramps, flatulence, stomach pain,vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, gastric distention and intestinalpain, in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment the subject is apatient. In another embodiment the subject is a human. In anotherembodiment the subject is a non-human animal.

B. FOS

FOS are chain oligomers or polymers of the sugar fructose that are foundin a variety of foods. The sugar units can be linked in a singlestraight chain or can be a chain with side branches. In many cases smallamounts of glucose are also contained in the chain. The length of thefructose chains can vary from source to source. FOS are primarilypolyfructans with a degree of polymerization (DP) generally ranging from2 to 20 (oligofructose) or greater than 20 (inulin). Generally, theD-fructose moieties in FOS are joined by β-(2-1) linkages and theoligomers or polymers are terminated with a D-glucose molecule linked tofructose by an α-(1-2) bond.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises a FOS composition,wherein the FOS composition comprises about 1% or more of thecomposition by weight, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83,84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%FOS. In other embodiments, the FOS composition comprises about 0.5% ormore of FOS in the FOS composition by weight, such as about 0.5%, 1%,5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% FOS. In another embodiment theprebiotic or FOS composition comprises 0.01-20 g of FOS, such as about0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 g ofFOS. In another embodiment the prebiotic or FOS composition comprisesFOS and water and one or more digestible saccharides. In one embodimenta prebiotic composition comprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavymetal (such as arsenic or lead), including but not limited to less thanabout 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 ppm of a heavy metal.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a mixture ofFOS and GOS. In one embodiment, about 90% by weight of the prebioticcomponent is GOS and about 10% by weight of the prebiotic component isFOS. In one embodiment, about 50% by weight of the prebiotic componentis GOS and about 50% by weight of the prebiotic component is FOS. In oneembodiment, 1-90% by weight of the prebiotic component is GOS and 10-60%by weight of the prebiotic component is FOS. In another embodiment, theprebiotic component of a prebiotic composition is 90-100% by weight GOS.

C Inulin

Inulin is an example of a longer chained compound that is considered tobe a FOS. The shorter (lower molecular weight) compounds tend to have asweet taste. The size and complexity of the FOS molecules gives itdesirable characteristics. Although the simple sugars fructose andglucose are quickly absorbed into the body by the intestines, FOS forthe most part is non-digestible and therefore acts as a fiber in thediet. This is because humans do not have the enzymes to break down theFOS as it travels down the digestive tract. When the FOS reaches thelarge intestine and the colon, the bacteria that are found there startto break down the FOS. These bacteria have the enzymes needed to breakdown FOS. Some Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species have beenreported to use FOS. It is believed that foods that promote the growthof bifidobacteria are beneficial for gastrointestinal health.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises inulin, wherein theinulin comprises 1% or more of the composition by weight, such as about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% inulin. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises 1-20 g of inulin, such as about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 g ofinulin. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises inulin,water, or one or more digestible saccharides. In one embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavy metal(such as arsenic or lead), including but not limited to less than about10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 ppm of a heavy metal.

C. Lactulose

Lactulose is a disaccharide that is formed from one molecule of fructoseand galactose. It can be produced by isomerization of lactose. In oneembodiment a prebiotic composition comprises lactulose(4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-β-D-fructofuranose), wherein lactulosecomprises about 1% or more of the composition by weight, such as about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% lactulose. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises 1-20 g of lactulose, such as about 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 g oflactulose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition compriseslactulose, water, or one or more digestible saccharides. In oneembodiment the composition comprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavymetal (such as arsenic or lead), including but not limited to less thanabout 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 ppm of a heavy metal.

E. Raffinose

Raffinose (melitose, melitriose, gossypose, α-D-galactosylsucrose) is atrisaccharide composed of galactose, fructose, and glucose. The enzymeα-galactosidase, which is not found in the human digestive tract, canhydrolyze raffinose. Thus, in humans, raffinose passes through thestomach and upper intestine and is digested by bacteria that do containα-galactosidase in the lower intestine. In one embodiment a prebioticcomposition comprises raffinose, wherein the raffinose comprises 1% ormore of the composition by weight, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62,63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80,81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,or 100% raffinose. In another embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises 1-20 g of raffinose, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 g of raffinose. In anotherembodiment a prebiotic composition comprises raffinose or one or moredigestible saccharides. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavy metal (such as arsenic orlead), including but not limited to less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5,4, 3, 2, or 1 ppm of a heavy metal.

F. Stachyose

Stachyose is a tetrasaccharide that consists of two α-D-galactose units,one α-D-glucose unit, and one β-D-fructose unit. It is linked asgal(α1-6) gal(α1→6)glc(α1←→2β)fru. Stachyose is not completelydigestible by humans. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises stachyose, wherein the stachyose comprises 1% or more of thecomposition by weight, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83,84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%stachyose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises 1-20g of stachyose, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 g of stachyose. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises stachyose, water, or one or moredigestible saccharides. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises less than about 10 ppm of a heavy metal (such as arsenic),including but not limited to less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,or 1 ppm of a heavy metal.

G. GOS and Inulin

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS and inulin. Inanother embodiment, the ratio of GOS:inulin is about 99:1, about 95:1,about 90:1, about 85:1, about 80:1, about 75:1, about 70:1, about 65:1,about 60:1, about 55:1, about 50:1, about 45:1, about 40:1, about 35:1,about 30:1, about 25:1, about 20:1, about 15:1, about 10:1, about 9:1,about 8:1, about 22:3, about 7:1, about 6:1, about 5:1, about 4:1, about3:1, about 2:1, or about 1:1. A prebiotic composition comprising GOS andinulin can include between 0.4 g to 20 g GOS and inulin. A prebioticcomposition comprising GOS and inulin can contain about 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1,2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1,5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6,6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13,13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20g GOS and inulin.

III. Probiotics

A. Introduction

Probiotics (or probiotic bacteria) typically refer to beneficial livemicroorganisms, e.g., bacteria, found in the gastrointestinal tract and,when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on thehost (or subject in need thereof). Reports indicate that probioticmicrobes favorably alter the intestinal microbiota balance, inhibit thegrowth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, modulate immunefunctions, and increase resistance to both viral and bacterialinfections. Bacterial cultures that are generally recognized as safe(GRAS) or known commensal or probiotic microbes could be used to assistin the reduction or elimination of lactose intolerance-like symptoms orimproving overall GI health, for example through colonic adaptation, areapplicable in the methods and compositions described herein.

B. Bacteria

Examples of probiotics include, but are not limited to, those thatacidify the colon such as those from the genera Lactobacillus orBifidobacterium, which are thought to maintain a healthy balance ofintestinal microbiota by producing organic acids (lactic & aceticacids), hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins which are documents toinhibit enteric pathogens. Bacteriocins are small antimicrobial peptideswhich can kill both closely-related bacteria, or exhibit a broaderspectrum of activity (e.g. nisin) which includes most Gram-positivepathogens (e.g. Listeria, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium species).

Non-exclusive examples of probiotic bacteria that can be used in themethods and compositions described herein include L. acidophilus, aprobiotic microbe which is an important member of the microbiota of theGI tract and has been used extensively and successfully as a probioticcultures in dietary supplements, foods, and dairy products. Thesebeneficial bacteria have been reported to modulate immune function,inhibit carcinogenesis, facilitate metabolism of cholesterol, and assistin digestion. Numerous reports over many Lactobacillus species arereported to promote a healthy microbiota, reduce putrefaction, andreduce endotoxemia. Other Lactobacillus bacteria which can be employedinclude, but are not limited to, L. crispatus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus,L. reuteri, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, L. sporogenes, and L.bulgaricus. Other probiotic bacteria suitable for the compositionsinclude Bifidobacterium lactis, B. animalis, B. bifidum, B. longum, B.adolescentis, and B. infantis. Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces boulardii,are also suitable as probiotics and may act to restore the intestinalmicrobiota. Mixtures of one or more species or strains of bacteria canbe used. For example, yogurt is a product which already containsbacteria species, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcusthermophilus, which are used for fermentation. Yogurt can besupplemented with prebiotics and additional bacterial species that areconsidered probiotic cultures.

Other strains of probiotic bacteria that can be used in the methods andcompositions described herein include, for example, Bacillus coagulansGBI-30, 6086; Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12;Bifidobacterium breve Yakult; Bifidobacterium infantis 35624;Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HNO19 (DR10); Bifidobacteriumlongum BB536; Escherichia coli M-17; Escherichia coli Nissle 1917;Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1; Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5;Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM; Lactobacillus casei DN114-001(Lactobacillus casei Immunitas(s)/Defensis); Lactobacillus casei CRL431;Lactobacillus casei F19; Lactobacillus paracasei Stl1 (or NCC2461);Lactobacillus johnsonii Lal (Lactobacillus LC1, Lactobacillus johnsoniiNCC533); Lactococcus lactis L1A; Lactobacillus plantarum 299V;Lactobacillus reuteri ATTC 55730 (Lactobacillus reuteri SD2112);Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53013; Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB21;Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) lyo; mixture of Lactobacillusrhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14; mixture of Lactobacillusacidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 or BL-04; mixture ofLactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus casei; and a mixtureof Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises a prebiotic and probiotic. Inone embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises or consists essentiallyof GOS. In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition is administered withincreasing doses of probiotics during the period of treatment. Inanother embodiment, a prebiotic composition is administered withconstant doses (dose amounts that do not change) of probiotics duringthe period of treatment. In another embodiment, a prebiotic compositionis administered with both increasing doses of probiotics for a portionof the treatment and a constant dose of probiotics during anotherportion of the treatment period.

C. Dose Timing and Size of Probiotics

In one embodiment, probiotic bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, are givenprior to beginning treatment with a prebiotic. In one embodiment,probiotic bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, are given in conjunctionwith treatment with a prebiotic (e.g., comprising or consistingessentially of GOS), for part or all of the treatment with theprebiotic. Thus, in one embodiment, some or all doses of a prebiotic(e.g., comprising or consisting essentially of GOS) are accompanied by adose of bacteria, e.g., live cultured bacteria, e.g., L. acidophilus. Inone embodiment, bacteria, e.g., L. acidophilus are given initially witha prebiotic (e.g., comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), butthen use of the bacteria is discontinued. For example, the initial one,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than tendays of treatment with a prebiotic (e.g., comprising or consistingessentially of GOS) can include doses of bacteria, with the use ofbacteria discontinued after that time. In one embodiment, bacteria,e.g., bacteria in yogurt, or bacteria by themselves, can be given forthe first two days of treatment; then the administration of bacteria isdiscontinued. In another embodiment, probiotic bacteria, either alone orin combination with other substances or treatments are used after thetreatment with a prebiotic (comprising or consisting essentially of GOS)is terminated. The bacteria can be taken for any suitable period afterthe termination of treatment with prebiotic and can be taken daily or atregular or irregular intervals. Doses can be as described below.

Any suitable amount of probiotic per serving can be used that allows aneffective microbiota in the GI. Typically, probiotics are given as livecultured bacteria. The dose can be about 0.001 mg to about 1 mg, orabout 0.5 mg to about 5 mg, or about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 2mg to about 200 mg, or about 2 mg to about 100 mg, or about 2 mg toabout 50 mg, or about 4 mg to about 25 mg, or about 5 mg to about 20 mg,or about 10 mg to about 15 mg, or about 50 mg to about 200 mg, or about200 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14, or 15 mg perserving. In one embodiment, L. acidophilus is used in a dose of about12.5 mg per serving. The probiotic bacteria can also be about 0.5% w/wto about 20% w/w of the final composition. The dose of probiotics can begiven in combination with one or more prebiotics. Another common way ofspecifying the amount of probiotics is as a colony forming unit (cfu). Acfu is an individual cell which is able to clone itself into an entirecolony of identical cells. In one embodiment, one or more strains ofprobiotic bacteria are ingested in an amount of about 1×10⁶ to about1×10⁹ cfu's, or about 1×10⁶ cfu's to about 1×10⁹ cfu's, or about 10×10⁶cfu's to about 0.5×10⁹ cfu's, or about 113×10⁵ cfu's to about 113×10⁶cfu's, or about 240×10⁵ cfu's to about 240×10⁶ cfu's, or about 0.3×10⁹cfu's per serving. In another embodiment, one or more strains ofprobiotic bacteria are administered as part of a dairy product. In oneembodiment, a typical serving size for a dairy product such as fluidmilk is about 240 g. In other embodiments, a serving size is about 245g, or about 240 g to about 245 g, or about 227 to about 300 g. In oneembodiment the dairy product is yogurt. Yogurt can have a serving sizeof about 4 oz, or about 6 oz, or about 8 oz, or about 4 oz to 10 oz, orabout half cup, or about 1 cup, or about 113 g, or about 170 g, or about227 g, or about 245 g or about 277 g, or about 100 g to about 350 g.

In one embodiment probiotic bacteria are given as live culturedbacteria, e.g., in combination with a prebiotic (e.g., comprising orconsisting essentially of GOS) and, optionally, other substances. Thedose can be about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 2 mg to about 200 mg,or about 2 mg to about 100 mg, or about 2 mg to about 50 mg, or about 4mg to about 25 mg, or about 5 mg to about 20 mg, or about 10 mg to about15 mg, or about 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14, or 15 mg of probioticbacteria. In one embodiment, L. acidophilus is used in a dose of about12.5 mg. In one embodiment, as the administration of a prebiotic (e.g.,comprising or consisting essentially of GOS) dose to a subjectincreases, the dose of bacteria increases as well. For example, aninitial dose of a prebiotic (e.g., comprising or consisting essentiallyof GOS) can be about 0.6 g to 1.0 g, e.g., 0.8 g, given in combinationwith about 10-15 mg, e.g., about 12.5 mg, of L. acidophilus. The dose ofa prebiotic (e.g., comprising or consisting essentially of GOS) can beincreased incrementally by about 0.6 g to 1.0 g, e.g., 0.8 g, and theaccompanying dose of L. acidophilus can be increased by about 10-15 mg,e.g., about 12.5 mg, of L. acidophilus.

IV. GOS Formulations

A. Formulations Introduction

In one aspect a prebiotic composition for the treatment of the symptomsof lactose intolerance is provided. In one embodiment a prebioticcomposition comprises inulin, FOS, lactulose, GOS, raffinose, stachyose,or a combination thereof. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises or consists essentially of GOS. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises GOS and one or more digestiblesaccharides. Digestible saccharides are saccharides that are digestibleby humans and include, but are not limited to lactose, glucose, andgalactose. In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS andless than 20% of one or more digestible saccharides. In one embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises GOS and less than 10% of one or moredigestible saccharides. In one embodiment a prebiotic compositioncomprises GOS and less than 5% of one or more digestible saccharides. Inanother embodiment a prebiotic composition contains less than 5%lactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition contains lessthan 4% lactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition containsless than 3% lactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic compositioncontains less than 2% lactose. In another embodiment a prebioticcomposition contains less than 1% lactose. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition contains less than 0.5% lactose. In anotherembodiment a prebiotic composition contains less than 0.4% lactose. Inanother embodiment a prebiotic composition contains less than 0.3%lactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition contains lessthan 0.2% lactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic compositioncontains less than 0.1% lactose. In another embodiment a prebioticcomposition contains less than 0.05% lactose. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition contains less than 0.01% lactose. In anotherembodiment a prebiotic composition contains less than 0.005% lactose. Inone embodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS and essentially nolactose. In one embodiment a prebiotic composition does not contain anylactose. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition contains GOS andat least one probiotic bacteria strain. In another embodiment aprebiotic composition comprises GOS and optionally one or more oflactose, at least one probiotic bacteria strain, or a buffer. Additionalingredients include ingredients to improve handling, preservatives,antioxidants, flavorings and the like.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS or a probiotic.In other embodiment, a prebiotic composition is in the form of a powder,tablet, capsule, or liquid. In one embodiment, a prebiotic compositioncan be administered with a dairy product and is in the form of milk orother common dairy product such as a yogurt, shake, smoothie, cheese,and the like.

In embodiments where a prebiotic composition comprises less than 100% byweight of GOS the remaining ingredients can be any suitable ingredientsintended for the consumption of the subject in need thereof, e.g.,human, including, but not limited to, other prebiotics (e.g., FOS), abuffer, one or more digestible saccharides, ingredients intended toinhibit clumping and increase pourability, such as silicone dioxide andmicrocrystalline cellulose, or similar ingredients as are well-known inthe art. Remaining ingredients can also include ingredients to improvehandling, preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings, and the like.

B. Buffer Components

One or more buffers, optionally with a calcium counterion, can also beadministered in methods and compositions described herein. Any buffersuitable for consumption by the subject being treated, e.g., human, areuseful for the compositions herein. The buffer neutralizes stomachacidity which can, e.g., allow live bacteria to reach flip gut. Buffersinclude citrates, phosphates, and the like. One embodiment utilizes abuffer with a calcium counterion, such as Calcium Phosphate Tribasic.The calcium can serve to restore the calcium that many lactoseintolerant subjects are missing in their diet. A recent studydemonstrated the ability of calcium phosphate to protect Lactobacillusacidophilus from bile. Calcium phosphate can help neutralize stomachacidity.

In one embodiment, a buffer such as calcium phosphate is given prior tobeginning treatment with a prebiotic composition (such as a compositioncomprising or consisting essentially of GOS), optionally in conjunctionwith administration of bacteria. In one embodiment, a buffer such ascalcium phosphate is given in conjunction with treatment with aprebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS), for part or all of the treatment with lactose.Thus, in one embodiment, some or all doses of a prebiotic compositionare accompanied by a dose of a buffer such as calcium phosphate. In oneembodiment, a buffer such as calcium phosphate is given initially with aprebiotic composition (such as a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS), but then its use is discontinued. For example, theinitial one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, ormore than ten days of treatment with a prebiotic composition can includedoses of a buffer such as calcium phosphate, with the use of the bufferdiscontinued after that time. In one embodiment, a buffer such ascalcium phosphate can be given for the first two days of treatment, andthen the administration of buffer is discontinued. In one embodiment, abuffer such as calcium phosphate, either alone or in combination withother substances or treatments is used after the treatment with aprebiotic composition is terminated. A buffer such as calcium phosphatecan be taken for any suitable period after the termination of treatmentwith lactose, and can be taken daily or at regular or irregularintervals. Doses can be as described below.

Numerous buffers suitable for human consumption are known in the art,and any suitable buffer can be used in the methods and compositionsdescribed herein. Calcium triphosphate is an exemplary buffer, and itscounterion supplies a nutrient that is often lacking inlactose-intolerant subjects, i.e. calcium. In one embodiment a buffercan be used in a dose from about 2 mg to about 2000 mg, or about 4 mg toabout 400 mg, or about 4 mg to about 200 mg, or about 4 mg to about 100mg, or about 8 mg to about 50 mg, or about 10 mg to about 40 mg, orabout 20 mg to about 30 mg, or about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, or 30 mg. In another embodiment a prebiotic composition furthercomprises an amount of a buffer from 1-50 mg, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 mg. In one embodiment, buffer isused in a dose of about 25 mg. In one embodiment, calcium phosphate isused in a dose of about 25 mg. The dose can be given in combination witha prebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS). In one embodiment, as a prebiotic composition doseincreases, the dose of buffer increases as well. For example, an initialdose of a prebiotic composition can be about 0.6 g to 1.0 g, e.g., 0.8g, given in combination with about 20-30 mg, e.g., about 25 mg, ofbuffer, e.g., calcium phosphate. The dose of a prebiotic composition canbe increased incrementally by about 0.6 g to 1.0 g, e.g., 0.8 g, and theaccompanying dose of buffer, e.g., calcium phosphate, can be increasedby about 20-30 mg, e.g., about 25 mg, of buffer, e.g., calciumphosphate.

C. Compositions Comprising GOS and at Least One Probiotic BacteriaStrain

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS and at leastone probiotic bacteria strain. The GOS can comprise more than 1% of theweight of the composition while the at least one probiotic bacteriastrain will typically comprise less than about 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, or 2% byweight of the compositions (herein all percentages are weight percentunless otherwise indicated). For example, the GOS can be present atabout 1-99.75% by weight and the at least one probiotic bacteria strainat about 0.25-2% by weight, or the GOS can be present at about 89-96% byweight and the bacteria at about 1.2-3.7% by weight. In one embodiment,GOS are present at about 92% by weight and at least one probioticbacteria strain, (e.g., L. acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis), ispresent at about 1.5% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present atabout 92% by weight and at least one probiotic bacteria strain, (e.g.,L. acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis), is present at about 1.5% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 93% by weightand at least one probiotic bacteria strain, (e.g., L. acidophilus orBifidobacterium lactis), is present at about 1.5% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 94% by weight and at least oneprobiotic bacteria strain, (e.g., L. acidophilus or Bifidobacteriumlactis), is present at about 1.5% by weight. In another embodiment, GOSare present at about 95% by weight and at least one probiotic bacteriastrain, (e.g., L. acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis), is present atabout 1.5% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about96% by weight and at least one probiotic bacteria strain, (e.g., L.acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis), is present at about 1.5% byweight. In another embodiment, GO S are present at about 97% by weightand at least one probiotic bacteria strain, (e.g., L. acidophilus orBifidobacterium lactis), is present at about 1.5% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GO S are present at about 98% by weight and at least oneprobiotic bacteria strain, (e.g., L. acidophilus or Bifidobacteriiumlactis), is present at about 1.5% by weight. In another embodiment, GOSare present at about 98.5% by weight and at least one probiotic bacteriastrain, (e.g., L. acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis), is present atabout 1.5% by weight. If the at least one probiotic bacteria strain andGOS do not make up 100% by weight of the prebiotic composition, theremaining ingredients can be any suitable ingredients intended forconsumption by the subject in need thereof, e.g., human, including, butnot limited to, other prebiotics (e.g., FOS), one or more buffers,digestible saccharides ingredients intended to inhibit clumping andincrease pourability, such as silicone dioxide and microcrystallinecellulose, or similar ingredients as are well-known in the art.Remaining ingredients can also include ingredients to improve handling,preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and the like.

D. Compositions Comprising GOS and a Buffer

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS and abuffer (e.g., calcium phosphate tribasic). For example, GOS can bepresent at about 1-100% by weight and the buffer at about 0.50-4% byweight, or GOS can be present at about 1-96% by weight and the buffer atabout 1 to about 3.75% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present atabout 1% by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 5% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present at about 10%by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 15% by weight and buffer is presentat about 15% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present at about 20%by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 25% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present at about 30%by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 35% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present at about 40%by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 50% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, GOS are present at about 60%by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, GOS are present at about 70% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about90% by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 92% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about93% by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 94% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about95% by weight and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 96% by weight and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about97% by weight and buffer is present at about 2% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 98% by weight and buffer is presentat about 1% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about99% by weight and buffer is present at about 1% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 100% by weight and buffer ispresent at less than about 1% by weight. If the buffer and GOS do notmake up 100% by weight of the composition, the remaining ingredients canbe any suitable ingredients intended for consumption by the subject(e.g., a human) including, but not limited to, probiotics (e.g.,beneficial bacteria) or other prebiotics (e.g., FOS), but also includingingredients intended to inhibit clumping and increase pourability, suchas silicone dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose, or similaringredients as are well-known in the art. Remaining ingredients can alsoinclude ingredients to improve handling, preservatives, antioxidants,flavorings and the like.

E. Compositions Comprising a Digestible Saccharide, a ProbioticBacteria, and GOS

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a digestiblesaccharide, a probiotic bacteria (e.g., L. acidophilus orBifidobacterium), and GOS. In one embodiment, lactose can be present atabout 1-20% by weight, bacteria at about 0.25-2.10% by weight, and GOSat about 1-98.75% by weight. In another embodiment lactose can bepresent at about 5-20% by weight, bacteria at about 0.91-1.95% byweight, and GOS at about 1 to about 96% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 1% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 50% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 60% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 70% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 90% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 92% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, bacteria at about1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 93% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, bacteria at about1% by weight, and GOS are present at about 94% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 4.5% by weight, bacteria atabout 1.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 94% by weight. Inanother embodiment, lactose is present at about 4.5% by weight, bacteriaat about 0.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 95% by weight. Inanother embodiment, lactose is present at about 3.5% by weight, bacteriaat about 0.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 96% by weight. Inanother embodiment, lactose is present at about 2.5% by weight, bacteriaat about 0.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 97% by weight. Inanother embodiment, lactose is present at about 1.5% by weight, bacteriaat about 0.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 98% by weight. Inanother embodiment, lactose is present at about 0.5% by weight, bacteriaat about 0.5% by weight, and GOS are present at about 99% by weight. Ifthe bacteria, GOS and lactose do not make up 100% of the composition,the remaining ingredients can be any suitable ingredients intended forconsumption by the subject, e.g., a human, including, but not limited toa buffer, digestible saccharides (e.g., lactose, glucose, or galactose),ingredients intended to inhibit clumping and increase pourability, suchas silicone dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose, or similaringredients as are well-known in the art. Remaining ingredients can alsoinclude ingredients to improve handling, preservatives, antioxidants,flavorings and the like.

F. Compositions Comprising GOS, a Probiotic Bacteria, and Buffer

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises GOS, a probioticbacteria strain, and buffer. In one embodiment, GOS can be present atabout 1-100% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 0.25-2% byweight, and the buffer at about 0.50-4% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS can be present at about 1-95% by weight, a probioticbacteria strain at about 0.91-1.95% by weight, and the buffer at about1.2-3.75% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 1%by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS arepresent at about 5% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 10% by weight, a probiotic bacteriastrain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 15% by weight, aprobiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about20% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS arepresent at about 25% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 30% by weight, a probiotic bacteriastrain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 35% by weight, aprobiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about40% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS arepresent at about 50% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 60% by weight, a probiotic bacteriastrain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 70% by weight, aprobiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about90% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS arepresent at about 92% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 93% by weight, a probiotic bacteriastrain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 94% by weight, aprobiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about95% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about 1.5% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS arepresent at about 96% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at about1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 2% by weight. In anotherembodiment, GOS are present at about 97% by weight, a probiotic bacteriastrain at about 1.5% by weight, and buffer is present at about 1.5% byweight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about 99% by weight, aprobiotic bacteria strain at about 0.5% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, GOS are present at about100% by weight, a probiotic bacteria strain at less than about 0.5% byweight, and buffer is present at less than about 0.5% by weight. If theprobiotic bacteria strain, buffer, and GOS do not make up 100% of thecomposition, the remaining ingredients can be any suitable ingredientsintended for the consumption of a subject (e.g., human) including, butnot limited to, other prebiotics (e.g., FOS), digestible saccharides(e.g., lactose, glucose or galactose), ingredients intended to inhibitclumping and increase pourability, such as silicone dioxide andmicrocrystalline cellulose, or similar ingredients as are well-known inthe art. Remaining ingredients can also include ingredients to improvehandling, preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and the like.

G. Compositions Comprising a Digestible Saccharide, GOS, and a Buffer

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a digestiblesaccharide, GOS, and a buffer. For example, lactose can be present atabout 1-20% by weight, GOS at about 1-100% by weight, and the buffer atabout 0.50-4% by weight, or the lactose can be present at about 5-20% byweight, GOS at about 1-96% by weight, and the buffer at about 1.2-3.75%by weight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight,GOS at about 1% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight.In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, GOS atabout 1% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 10%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 15%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 20%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 25%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 30%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 35%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 40%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 50%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 60%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, GOS at about 70%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, GOS at about 90%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight, GOS at about 92%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 4% by weight, GOS at about 93%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 3% by weight, GOS at about 94%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 2% by weight, GOS at about 95%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In anotherembodiment, lactose is present at about 1% by weight, GOS at about 96%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. If GOS, bufferand lactose do not make up 100% of the composition by weight, theremaining ingredients can be any suitable ingredients intended forconsumption by a subject (e.g., human) including, but not limited to,bacteria, ingredients intended to inhibit clumping and increasepourability, such as silicone dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose, orsimilar ingredients as are well-known in the art. Remaining ingredientscan also include ingredients to improve handling, preservatives,antioxidants, flavorings and the like.

H. Compositions Comprising a Digestible Saccharide, Bacteria, GOS, and aBuffer

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprises a digestiblesaccharide, bacteria, GOS, and buffer. For example, lactose can bepresent at about 1-20% by weight, bacteria at about 0.25-2.10% byweight, GOS at about 1-100% by weight, and the buffer at about 0.50-4%by weight, or the lactose can be present at about 5-20% by weight,bacteria at about 0.91-1.95% by weight, GOS at about 70-95% by weight,and the buffer at about 1.2-3.75% by weight. In one embodiment, lactoseis present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight,GOS at about 1% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight.In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteriaat about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 10% by weight, and buffer ispresent at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose is present atabout 20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 15%by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about1.47% by weight, GOS at about 20% by weight, and buffer is present atabout 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 20%by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 25% byweight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment,lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% byweight, GOS at about 30% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight,bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 35% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose ispresent at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOSat about 40% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. Inone embodiment, lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria atabout 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 50% by weight, and buffer is presentat about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 60% byweight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment,lactose is present at about 20% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% byweight, GOS at about 70% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% byweight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 5% by weight,bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 90% by weight, andbuffer is present at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose ispresent at about 3% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS atabout 92% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In oneembodiment, lactose is present at about 2% by weight, bacteria at about1.47% by weight, GOS at about 93% by weight, and buffer is present atabout 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactose is present at about 1% byweight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight, GOS at about 94% by weight,and buffer is present at about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, lactoseis present at about 0.5% by weight, bacteria at about 1.47% by weight,GOS at about 95% by weight, and buffer is present at about 3% by weight.If the bacteria, GOS, buffer and lactose do not make up 100% of thecomposition by weight, the remaining ingredients can be any suitableingredients intended for consumption by a subject, e.g., human,including, but not limited to, ingredients intended to inhibit clumpingand increase pourability, such as silicone dioxide and microcrystallinecellulose, or similar ingredients as are well-known in the art.Remaining ingredients can also include ingredients to improve handling,preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and the like.

1. Additional Ingredients

Additional ingredients include ingredients to improve handling,preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and the like. For example, inone embodiment, a prebiotic composition in powdered form can includeflavorings such that when mixed in a liquid (e.g., water), the powdercan flavor the liquid with various flavors such as grape, strawberry,lime, lemon, chocolate, and the like. In one embodiment, thecompositions include microcrystalline cellulose or silicone dioxide.Preservatives can include, for example, benzoic acid, alcohols, forexample, ethyl alcohol, and hydroxybenzoates. Antioxidants can include,for example, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytolulene(BHT), tocopherols (e.g., Vitamin E), and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

V. Dosage Forms

A. General

Compositions described herein include any suitable form, includingliquid or powder. Powdered compositions can be as pure powder, or can bein the form of capsules, tablets, or the like. Powder can be packaged inbulk (e.g., in a container containing sufficient prebiotic or othersubstances for a subject to follow for an entire course of treatmentwith increasing doses of prebiotic, or a portion of a course oftreatment), or as individual packets (e.g., packets containing a singledose of prebiotic plus other components, or packets containing the doseof prebiotic and other components needed for a particular day of aprebiotic treatment regimen). If packaged in bulk, the powder can be inany suitable container, such as a packet, sachet, canister, ampoule,ramekin, or bottle. The container can also include one or more scoops orsimilar serving devices of a size or sizes appropriate to measure andserve one or more doses of prebiotic and, optionally, other ingredientsincluded in the powder. Liquid compositions contain prebiotic and,optionally, other ingredients, in a suitable liquid, e.g., water orbuffer. Liquid compositions can be provided in bulk (e.g., in acontainer containing sufficient prebiotic or other substances for onesubject in need thereof to follow an entire course of treatment withincreasing doses of prebiotic, or a portion of a course of treatment),or as individual containers, such as cans, bottles, soft packs, and thelike (e.g., containers containing a single dose of prebiotic plus othercomponents in suitable liquid, or containers containing the dose ofprebiotic and other components needed for a particular day of aprebiotic treatment regimen). The container can also include one or moremeasuring cups or similar serving devices of a size or sizes appropriateto measure and serve one or more doses of prebiotic and, optionally,other ingredients included in the liquid.

B. Oral Dosage Forms and Components

In one aspect provided herein are methods and compositions formulatedfor oral delivery to a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment acomposition is formulated to deliver a composition comprising aprebiotic to a subject in need thereof. In another embodiment acomposition is formulated to deliver a composition comprising prebioticand a probiotic to a subject in need thereof

1. Forms

In one embodiment, a composition is administered in solid, semi-solid,micro-emulsion, gel, or liquid form. Examples of such dosage formsinclude tablet forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,048,526, 3,108,046,4,786,505, 4,919,939, and 4,950,484; gel forms disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,904,479, 6,482,435, 6,572,871, and 5,013,726; capsule formsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,800,083, 4,532,126, 4,935,243, and6,258,380; or liquid forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,625,494,4,478,822, and 5,610,184; each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Forms of the compositions that can be used orally include tablets,push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules madeof gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. Tablets canbe made by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessoryingredients. Compressed tablets can be prepared by compressing in asuitable machine the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as apowder or granules, optionally mixed with binders (e.g., povidone,gelatin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), inert diluents, preservative,antioxidant, disintegrant (e.g., sodium starch glycolate, cross-linkedpovidone, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) or lubricating,surface active or dispersing agents. Molded tablets can be made bymolding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compoundmoistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets can optionally becoated or scored and can be formulated so as to provide slow orcontrolled release of the active ingredient therein. Tablets canoptionally be provided with an enteric coating, to provide release inparts of the gut (e.g., colon, lower intestine) other than the stomach.All formulations for oral administration can be in dosages suitable forsuch administration. The push-fit capsules can contain the activeingredients in admixture with filler, such as lactose, binders such asstarches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and,optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds(prebiotics or probiotcs) can be dissolved or suspended in suitableliquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethyleneglycols. In addition, stabilizers can be added. Dragee cores areprovided with suitable coatings. For this purpose, concentrated sugarsolutions can be used, which can optionally contain gum arabic, talc,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, or titaniumdioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solventmixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments can be added to the tablets or Drageecoatings for identification or to characterize different combinations ofactive compound doses.

Formulations for oral use can also be presented as hard gelatin capsuleswherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, forexample, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as softgelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with watersoluble carrier such as polyethylene glycol or an oil medium, forexample peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.

Oral liquid preparations can be in the form of, for example, aqueous oroily suspensions, solutions, emulsions syrups or elixirs, or can bepresented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or othersuitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations can containconventional additives, such as suspending agents, for example sorbitol,methyl cellulose, glucose syrup, gelatin, hydroxyethyl cellulose,carboxymethyl cellulose, aluminum stearate gel or hydrogenated ediblefats, emulsifying agents, for example lecithin, sorbitan monooleate,acacia; nonaqueous vehicles (which can include edible oils), for examplealmond oil, oily esters such as glycerine, propylene glycol, or ethylalcohol; preservatives, for example methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoateor sorbic acid, and, if desired, conventional flavoring or coloringagents.

In one embodiment, a provided prebiotic composition includes a softgelformulation. A softgel can contain a gelatin based shell that surroundsa liquid fill. The shell can be made of gelatin, plasticiser (e.g.,glycerin and/or sorbitol), modifier, water, color, antioxidant, orflavor. The shell can be made with starch or carrageenan. The outerlayer can be enteric coated. In one embodiment, a softgel formulationcan include a water or oil soluble fill solution, or suspension of acomposition, for example, a prebiotic composition, covered by a layer ofgelatin.

An enteric coating can control the location of where a prebioticcomposition is absorbed in the digestive system. For example, an entericcoating can be designed such that a prebiotic composition does notdissolve in the stomach but rather travels to the small intestine, whereit dissolves. An enteric coating can be stable at low pH (such as in thestomach) and can dissolve at higher pH (for example, in the smallintestine). Material that can be used in enteric coatings includes, forexample, alginic acid, cellulose acetate phthalate, plastics, waxes,shellac, and fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid, palmitic acid). Entericcoatings are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,202,5,733,575, 6,139,875, 6,420,473, 6,455,052, and 6,569,457, all of whichare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The entericcoating can be an aqueous enteric coating. Examples of polymers that canbe used in enteric coatings include, for example, shellac (trade nameEmCoat 120 N, Marcoat 125); cellulose acetate phthalate (trade nameaquacoat CPD®, Sepifilm™ LP, Klucel®, Aquacoat® ECD, and Metolose®);polyvinylacetate phthalate (trade name Sureteric®); and methacrylic acid(trade name Eudragit®).

In one embodiment, an enteric coated prebiotic composition isadministered to a subject. In another embodiment, an enteric coatedprobiotic composition is administered to a subject. In anotherembodiment, an enteric coated probiotic and prebiotic composition isadministered to a subject. In one embodiment, probiotic bacteria can beadministered to a subject using an enteric coating. The stomach has anacidic environment that can kill probiotics. An enteric coating canprotect probiotics as they pass through the stomach and small intestine.

Enteric coatings can be used to (1) prevent the gastric juice fromreacting with or destroying the active substance, (2) prevent dilutionof the active substance before it reaches the intestine, (3) ensure thatthe active substance is not released until after the preparation haspassed the stomach, and (4) prevent live bacteria contained in thepreparation from being killed because of the low pH-value in thestomach.

Enteric coatings can also be used for avoiding irritation of or damageto the mucous membrane of the stomach caused by substances contained inthe oral preparation, and for counteracting or preventing formation orrelease of substances having an unpleasant odor or taste in the stomach.Finally, such coatings can be used for preventing nausea or vomiting onintake of oral preparations.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition is provided as a tablet,capsule, or caplet with an enteric coating. In one embodiment theenteric coating is designed to hold the tablet, capsule, or caplettogether when in the stomach. The enteric coating is designed to holdtogether in acid conditions of the stomach and break down in non-acidconditions and therefore release the drug in the intestines.

Softgel delivery systems can also incorporate phospholipids or polymersor natural gums to entrap a composition, for example, a prebioticcomposition, in the gelatin layer with an outer coating to give desireddelayed/control release effects, such as an enteric coating.Formulations of softgel fills can be at pH 2.5-7.5.

A softgel formulation can be sealed tightly in an automatic manner. Asoftgel formulation can easily be swallowed, allow for productidentification using colors and several shapes, allow uniformity,precision and accuracy between dosages, be safe against adulteration,provide good availability and rapid absorption, and offer protectionagainst contamination, light and oxidation. Furthermore, softgelformulations can avoid unpleasant flavors due to content encapsulation.

A composition comprising a softgel formulation can be in any of numberof different sizes, including, for example, round, oblong, oval, tube,droplet, or suppositories.

In one embodiment a composition is provided in a dosage form whichcomprises an effective amount of prebiotic and one or more releasecontrolling excipients as described herein. Suitable modified releasedosage vehicles include, but are not limited to, hydrophilic orhydrophobic matrix devices, water-soluble separating layer coatings,enteric coatings, osmotic devices, multi-particulate devices, andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment the dosage form is a tablet,caplet, capsule or lollipop. In another embodiment, the dosage form is aliquid, oral suspension, oral solution, or oral syrup. In yet anotherembodiment, the dosage form is a gel capsule, soft gelatin capsule, orhard gelatin capsule.

In another embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is providedin effervescent dosage forms. The compositions can also comprisenon-release controlling excipients.

In another embodiment, a composition comprising a prebiotic is providedin a dosage form that has at least one component that can facilitaterelease of the prebiotic. In a further embodiment the dosage form can becapable of giving a discontinuous release of the compound in the form ofat least two consecutive pulses separated in time from 0.1 up to 24hours. The compositions can comprise one or more release controlling andnon-release controlling excipients, such as those excipients suitablefor a disruptable semi-permeable membrane and as swellable substances.

In another embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is providedin an enteric coated dosage form. The composition can also comprisenon-release controlling excipients.

In another embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is providedin a dosage form for oral administration to a subject in need thereof,which comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients orcarriers, enclosed in an intermediate reactive layer comprising agastric juice-resistant polymeric layered material partially neutralizedwith alkali and having cation exchange capacity and a gastricjuice-resistant outer layer.

In one embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is provided inthe form of enteric-coated granules, for oral administration. Thecompositions can further comprise cellulose, disodium hydrogenphosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, mannitol, andsodium lauryl sulfate.

In another embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is providedin the form of enteric-coated pellets, for oral administration. Thecompositions can further comprise glyceryl monostearate 40-50,hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylicacid copolymer type C, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres, talc, and triethylcitrate.

In one embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic is provided inthe form of enteric-coated granules, for oral administration. Thecompositions can further comprise carnauba wax, crospovidone,diacetylated monoglycerides, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,hypromellose phthalate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sodium hydroxide,sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferricoxide.

In another embodiment a composition comprising a prebiotic can furthercomprise calcium stearate, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,iron oxide, mannitol, methacrylic acid copolymer, polysorbate 80,povidone, propylene glycol, sodium carbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate,titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.

The compositions provided herein can be in unit-dosage forms ormultiple-dosage forms. Unit-dosage forms, as used herein, refer tophysically discrete units suitable for administration to human ornon-human animal subject in need thereof and packaged individually. Eachunit-dose can contain a predetermined quantity of an activeingredient(s) sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect, inassociation with other pharmaceutical carriers or excipients. Examplesof unit-dosage forms include, but are not limited to, ampoules,syringes, and individually packaged tablets and capsules. Unit-dosageforms can be administered in fractions or multiples thereof. Amultiple-dosage form is a plurality of identical unit-dosage formspackaged in a single container, which can be administered in segregatedunit-dosage form. Examples of multiple-dosage forms include, but are notlimited to, vials, bottles of tablets or capsules, or bottles of pintsor gallons. In another embodiment the multiple dosage forms comprisedifferent pharmaceutically active agents. For example a multiple dosageform can be provided which comprises a first dosage element comprising acomposition comprising a prebiotic and a second dosage elementcomprising lactose or a probiotic, which can be in a modified releaseform.

In this example a pair of dosage elements can make a single unit dosage.In one embodiment a kit is provided comprising multiple unit dosages,wherein each unit comprises a first dosage element comprising acomposition comprising a prebiotic and a second dosage elementcomprising probiotic, lactose or both, which can be in a modifiedrelease form. In another embodiment the kit further comprises a set ofinstructions.

In one embodiment compositions can be formulated in various dosage formsfor oral administration. The compositions can also be formulated as amodified release dosage form, including immediate-, delayed-, extended-,prolonged-, sustained-, pulsatile-, controlled-, extended, accelerated-,fast-, targeted-, programmed-release, and gastric retention dosageforms. These dosage forms can be prepared according to known methods andtechniques (see, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra;Modified-Release Drug Deliver Technology, Rathbone et al., Eds., Drugsand the Pharmaceutical Science, Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York, N.Y.,2002; Vol. 126, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety).

In one embodiment, the compositions are in one or more dosage forms. Forexample, a composition can be administered in a solid or liquid form.Examples of solid dosage forms include but are not limited to discreteunits in capsules or tablets, as a powder or granule, or present in atablet conventionally formed by compression molding. Such compressedtablets can be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the threeor more agents and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The moldedtablets can be optionally coated or scored, having indicia inscribedthereon and can be so formulated as to cause immediate, substantiallyimmediate, slow, controlled or extended release of a compositioncomprising a prebiotic. Furthermore, dosage forms of the invention cancomprise acceptable carriers or salts known in the art, such as thosedescribed in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, AmericanPharmaceutical Association (1986), incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

In one embodiment, an effective amount of a composition comprising aprebiotic is mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient to form a solidpreformulation composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of compoundsdescribed herein. When referring to these compositions as “homogeneous,”it is meant that the agents are dispersed evenly throughout thecomposition so that the composition can be subdivided into unit dosageforms such as tablets, caplets, or capsules. This solid preformulationcomposition can then be subdivided into unit dosage forms of the typedescribed above comprising from, for example, about 1 g to about 20 mgof a prebiotic composition. A prebiotic composition can be formulated,in the case of caplets, capsules or tablets, to be swallowed whole, forexample with water.

The compositions described herein can be in liquid form. The liquidformulations can comprise, for example, an agent in water-in-solutionand/or suspension form; and a vehicle comprising polyethoxylated castoroil, alcohol, and/or a polyoxyethylated sorbitan mono-oleate with orwithout flavoring. Each dosage form comprises an effective amount of anactive agent and can optionally comprise pharmaceutically inert agents,such as conventional excipients, vehicles, fillers, binders,disintegrants, pH adjusting substances, buffer, solvents, solubilizingagents, sweeteners, coloring agents, and any other inactive agents thatcan be included in pharmaceutical dosage forms for oral administration.Examples of such vehicles and additives can be found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 17th edition (1985).

2. Manufacturing

The dosage forms described herein can be manufactured using processesthat are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, for themanufacture of tablets, an effective amount of a prebiotic can bedispersed uniformly in one or more excipients, for example, using highshear granulation, low shear granulation, fluid bed granulation, or byblending for direct compression. Excipients include diluents, binders,disintegrants, dispersants, lubricants, glidants, stabilizers,surfactants and colorants. Diluents, also termed “fillers,” can be usedto increase the bulk of a tablet so that a practical size is providedfor compression. Non-limiting examples of diluents include lactose,cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, dry starch, hydrolyzedstarches, powdered sugar, talc, sodium chloride, silicon dioxide,titanium oxide, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium sulfate, calciumcarbonate, alumina and kaolin. Binders can impart cohesive qualities toa tablet formulation and can be used to help a tablet remain intactafter compression. Non-limiting examples of suitable binders includestarch (including corn starch and pregelatinized starch), gelatin,sugars (e.g., glucose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose and sorbitol),celluloses, polyethylene glycol, waxes, natural and synthetic gums,e.g., acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, and synthetic polymers suchas polymethacrylates and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Lubricants can alsofacilitate tablet manufacture; non-limiting examples thereof includemagnesium stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate,and polyethylene glycol. Disintegrants can facilitate tabletdisintegration after administration, and non-limiting examples thereofinclude starches, alginic acid, crosslinked polymers such as, e.g.,crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, croscarmellose sodium, potassium orsodium starch glycolate, clays, celluloses, starches, gums and the like.Non-limiting examples of suitable glidants include silicon dioxide,talc, and the like. Stabilizers can inhibit or retard drug decompositionreactions, including oxidative reactions. Surfactants can also includeand can be anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. If desired, thetablets can also comprise nontoxic auxiliary substances such as pHbuffering agents, preservatives, e.g., antioxidants, wetting oremulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, coating agents, flavoringagents, and the like.

In one embodiment, a softgel formulation is made with a gelatin mass forthe outer shell, and a composition including one or more substances, forexample prebiotics and/or probiotics, for the capsule fill can beprepared. To make the gelatin mass, gelatin powder can be mixed withwater and glycerin, heated, and stirred under vacuum. Additives, forexample, flavors or colors, can be added to molten gelatin using aturbine mixer and transferred to mobile vessels. The gelatin mass can bekept in a steam jacketed storage vessel at a constant temperature.

The encapsulation process can begin when the molten gel is pumped to amachine and two thin ribbons of gel are formed on either side ofmachine. These ribbons can then pass over a series of rollers and over aset of die that determine the size and shapes of capsules. A fillcomposition, for example a prebiotic and/or probiotic fill composition,can be fed to a positive displacement pump, which can dose the fill andinject it between two gelatin ribbons prior to sealing them togetherthrough the application of heat and pressure. To remove excess water,the capsules can pass through a conveyer into tumble dryers where aportion of the water can be removed. The capsules can then be placed on,for example, trays, which can be stacked and transferred into dryingrooms. In the drying rooms, dry air can be forced over capsules toremove any excess moisture.

3. Release Formulations

Immediate-release formulations of an effective amount of a prebioticcomposition can comprise one or more combinations of excipients thatallow for a rapid release of a pharmaceutically active agent (such asfrom 1 minute to 1 hour after administration). In one embodiment anexcipient can be microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium starch glycolate, corn starch, colloidal silica,Sodium Laurel Sulphate, Magnesium Stearate, Prosolve SMCC (HD90),croscarmellose Sodium, Crospovidone NF, Avicel PH200, and combinationsof such excipients.

“Controlled-release” formulations (also referred to as sustained release(SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release,controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release) refer to the release ofa prebiotic composition from a dosage form at a particular desired pointin time after the dosage form is administered to a subject.Controlled-release formulations can include one or more excipients,including but not limited to microcrystalline cellulose, sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, corn starch, colloidalsilica, Sodium Laurel Sulphate, Magnesium Stearate, Prosolve SMCC(HD90), croscarmellose Sodium, Crospovidone NF, or Avicel PH200.Generally, controlled-release includes sustained but otherwise completerelease. A sudden and total release in the large intestine at a desiredand appointed time or a release in the intestines such as through theuse of an enteric coating are both considered controlled-release.Controlled-release can occur at a predetermined time or in apredetermined place within the digestive tract. It is not meant toinclude a passive, uncontrolled process as in swallowing a normaltablet. Examples include, but are not limited to, those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,845,770; 3,916,899; 3,536,809; 3,598,123; 4,008,719;5,674,533; 5,059,595; 5,591,767; 5,120,548; 5,073,543; 5,639,476;5,354,556; 5,733,556; 5,871,776; 5,902,632; and 5,837,284 each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment a controlled release dosage form begins its releaseand continues that release over an extended period of time. Release canoccur beginning almost immediately or can be sustained. Release can beconstant, can increase or decrease over time, can be pulsed, can becontinuous or intermittent, and the like. Generally, however, therelease of at least one pharmaceutically active agent from acontrolled-release dosage form will exceed the amount of time of releaseof the drug taken as a normal, passive release tablet. Thus, forexample, while all of at least one pharmaceutically active agent of anuncoated aspirin tablet should be released within, for example, fourhours, a controlled-release dosage form could release a smaller amountof aspirin over a period of six hours, 12 hours, or even longer.Controlled-release in accordance with the compositions and methodsdescribed herein generally means that the release occurs for a period ofsix hours or more, such as 12 hours or more.

In another embodiment a controlled release dosage refers to the releaseof an agent, from a composition or dosage form in which the agent isreleased according to a desired profile over an extended period of time.In one embodiment, controlled-release results in dissolution of an agentwithin 20-720 minutes after entering the stomach. In another embodiment,controlled-release occurs when there is dissolution of an agent within20-720 minutes after being swallowed. In another embodiment,controlled-release occurs when there is dissolution of an agent within20-720 minutes after entering the intestine. In another embodiment,controlled-release results in substantially complete dissolution afterat least 1 hour following administration. In another embodiment,controlled-release results in substantially complete dissolution afterat least 1 hour following oral administration. For example,controlled-release compositions allow delivery of an agent to a subjectin need thereof over an extended period of time according to apredetermined profile. Such release rates can provide therapeuticallyeffective levels of agent for an extended period of time and therebyprovide a longer period of pharmacologic or diagnostic response ascompared with conventional rapid release dosage forms. Such longerperiods of response provide for many inherent benefits that are notachieved with immediate-release dosages. When used in connection withthe dissolution profiles discussed herein, the term “controlled-release”refers to wherein all or less than all of the total amount of a dosageform, made according to methods and compositions described herein,delivers an active agent over a period of time greater than 1 hour.

In one aspect, controlled-release refers to delayed release of an agent,from a composition or dosage form in which the agent is releasedaccording to a desired profile in which the release occurs after aperiod of time.

When present in a controlled-release oral dosage form, the compositionsdescribed herein can be administered at a substantially lower dailydosage level than immediate-release forms.

In one embodiment, the controlled-release layer is capable of releasingabout 30 to about 40% of the one or more active agents (e.g., prebioticor probiotic) contained therein in the stomach of a subject in needthereof in about 5 to about 10 minutes following oral administration. Inanother embodiment, the controlled-release layer is capable of releasingabout 90% of the one or more active agents (e.g., prebiotic orprobiotic) is released in about 40 minutes after oral administration.

In some embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises one or moreexcipients, including but not limited to silicified microcrystallinecellulose (e.g., HD90), croscarmellose sodium (AC-Di-Sol),hydroxylmethyl propyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, or stearic acid. Inone embodiment, a controlled release formulation weighs between about100 mg to 3 g.

Pharmaceutical carriers or vehicles suitable for administration of thecompounds provided herein include all such carriers known to thoseskilled in the art to be suitable for the particular mode ofadministration. In addition, the compositions can one or more componentsthat do not impair the desired action, or with components thatsupplement the desired action, or have another action.

In another embodiment, an effective amount of the prebiotic isformulated in an immediate release form. In this embodiment theimmediate-release form can be included in an amount that is effective toshorten the time to its maximum concentration in the blood. By way ofexample, certain immediate-release pharmaceutical preparations aretaught in United States Patent Publication US 2005/0147710A1 entitled,“Powder Compaction and Enrobing,” which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

The dosage forms described herein can also take the form ofpharmaceutical particles manufactured by a variety of methods, includingbut not limited to high-pressure homogenization, wet or dry ballmilling, or small particle precipitation (nano spray). Other methods tomake a suitable powder formulation are the preparation of a solution ofactive ingredients and excipients, followed by precipitation,filtration, and pulverization, or followed by removal of the solvent byfreeze-drying, followed by pulverization of the powder to the desiredparticle size.

In a further aspect the dosage form can be an effervescent dosage form.Effervescent means that the dosage form, when mixed with liquid,including water and saliva, evolves a gas. Some effervescent agents (oreffervescent couple) evolve gas by means of a chemical reaction whichtakes place upon exposure of the effervescent disintegration agent towater or to saliva in the mouth. This reaction can be the result of thereaction of a soluble acid source and an alkali monocarbonate orcarbonate source. The reaction of these two general compounds producescarbon dioxide gas upon contact with water or saliva. An effervescentcouple (or the individual acid and base separately) can be coated with asolvent protective or enteric coating to prevent premature reaction.Such a couple can also be mixed with previously lyophilized particles(such as a prebiotic). The acid sources can be any which are safe forhuman consumption and can generally include food acids, acid and hydriteantacids such as, for example: citric, tartaric, amalic, fumeric,adipic, and succinics. Carbonate sources include dry solid carbonate andbicarbonate salt such as, preferably, sodium bicarbonate, sodiumcarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate, magnesiumcarbonate and the like. Reactants which evolve oxygen or other gassesand which are safe for human consumption are also included. In oneembodiment citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are used.

In another aspect the dosage form can be in a candy form (e.g., matrix),such as a lollipop or lozenge. In one embodiment an effective amount ofa prebiotic is dispersed within a candy matrix. In one embodiment thecandy matrix comprises one or more sugars (such as dextrose or sucrose).In another embodiment the candy matrix is a sugar-free matrix. Thechoice of a particular candy matrix is subject to wide variation.Conventional sweeteners such as sucrose can be utilized, or sugaralcohols suitable for use with diabetic patients, such as sorbitol ormannitol can be employed. Other sweeteners, such as the aspartanes, canalso be easily incorporated into a composition in accordance withcompositions described herein. The candy base can be very soft and fastdissolving, or can be hard and slower dissolving. Various forms willhave advantages in different situations.

A candy mass composition comprising an effective amount of the prebioticcan be orally administered to a subject in need thereof so that aneffective amount of the prebiotic will be released into the subject'smouth as the candy mass dissolves and is swallowed. A subject in needthereof includes a human adult or child.

In one embodiment a candy mass is prepared that comprises one or morelayers which can comprise different amounts or rates of dissolution ofthe prebiotic. In one embodiment a multilayer candy mass (such as alollipop) comprises an outer layer with a concentration of the prebioticdiffering from that of one or more inner layers. Such a drug deliverysystem has a variety of applications.

The choices of matrix and the concentration of the drug in the matrixcan be important factors with respect to the rate of drug uptake. Amatrix that dissolves quickly can deliver drug into the subject's mouthfor absorption more quickly than a matrix that is slow to dissolve.Similarly, a candy matrix that contains the prebiotic in a highconcentration can release more of the prebiotic in a given period oftime than a candy having a low concentration. In one embodiment a candymatrix such as one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,953 or USApplication Publication No. 2004/0213828 (which are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety) is used to deliver the prebiotic.

The dosage forms described herein can also take the form ofpharmaceutical particles manufactured by a variety of methods, includingbut not limited to high-pressure homogenization, wet or dry ballmilling, or small particle precipitation (e.g., nGimat's NanoSpray).Other methods useful to make a suitable powder formulation are thepreparation of a solution of active ingredients and excipients, followedby precipitation, filtration, and pulverization, or followed by removalof the solvent by freeze-drying, followed by pulverization of the powderto the desired particle size. In one embodiment the pharmaceuticalparticles have a final size of 3-1000 μM, such as at most 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350,400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000 μM. Inanother embodiment the pharmaceutical particles have a final size of10-500 μM.In another embodiment the pharmaceutical particles have afinal size of 50-600 μM. In another embodiment the pharmaceuticalparticles have a final size of 100-800 μM.

In one embodiment an oral dosage form (such as a powder, tablet, orcapsule) is provided comprising a prebiotic composition comprising about0.7 g of GOS, about 0.2 g of lactose, about 0.01 g of glucose, about0.01 g of galactose, about 0.1-0.2 g of a binder, about 0.1-0.2 g of adispersant, about 0.1-0.2 g of a solubilizer, wherein the GOS arecomposed of about 1-25% disaccharides, about 1-25 trisaccharides, about1-25% tetrasaccharides, and about 1-25% pentasaccharides. The oraldosage form can be in the form of a powder, capsule, or tablet. Suitableamounts of binders, dispersants, and solubilizers are known in the artfor preparation of oral tablets or capsules.

In another embodiment an oral dosage form (such as a powder, tablet orcapsule) is provided comprising a prebiotic composition comprising about1-99.9% by weight of GOS, about 0.5-20% by weight of lactose, about0.1-2% by weight of glucose, about 0.1-2% by weight of galactose, about0.05-2% by weight of a binder, about 0.05-2% by weight of a dispersant,about 0.05-2% by weight of a solubilizer, wherein the GOS are composedof about 1-25% by weight disaccharides, about 1-25% by weighttrisaccharides, about 1-25% by weight tetrasaccharides, and about 1-25%by weight pentasaccharides.

In another embodiment an oral dosage form (such as a powder, tablet, orcapsule) is provided comprising a prebiotic composition comprising about1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 99.5, 100% by weight of GOS,about 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% by weight of lactose, about 0.1, 0.5, 1, or2% by weight of glucose, about 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2% by weight ofgalactose, about 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2% by weight of a binder, about0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2% by weight of a dispersant, about 0.05, 0.1,0.5, 1, or 2% by weight of a solubilizer, wherein the GOS are composedof about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25% by weight disaccharides, about 1, 5,10, 15, 20, or 25% by weight trisaccharides, about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or25% by weight tetrasaccharides, and about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25% byweight pentasaccharides.

In another embodiment, an oral dosage form is provided comprising aprebiotic composition, wherein the oral dosage form is a syrup. Thesyrup can comprise about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%,50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85% solid. The syrup can compriseabout 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% liquid, for example,water. The solid can comprise a prebiotic composition. The solid can be,for example, about 1-96%, 10-96%, 20-96%, 30-96%, 40-96%, 50-96%,60-96%, 70-96%, 80-96%, or 90-96% prebiotic composition. The solid canbe, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, or 96% prebiotic composition. In oneembodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS. In another embodimenta prebiotic composition comprises GOS and another prebiotic. In anotherembodiment a prebiotic composition comprises GOS and inulin or GOS andFOS.

In one embodiment, the softgel capsule is about 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL,1.25 mL, 1.5 mL, 1.75 mL, or 2.0 mL. In another embodiment, a softgelcapsule comprises about 0.1 g to 2.0 g of prebiotic composition. Inanother embodiment, a softgel capsule comprises about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 g of a prebiotic composition. In one embodiment theprebiotic composition comprises GOS. In another embodiment, a softgelcapsule comprises GOS and inulin or FOS.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition is provided that does notcontain a preservative. In another embodiment, a prebiotic compositionis provided that does not contain an antioxidant. In another embodiment,a prebiotic composition is provided that does not contain a preservativeor an antioxidant. In one embodiment a prebiotic composition comprisingGOS does not contain a preservative or an antioxidant.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition is formulated as aviscous fluid. In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition isformulated such that its water content is low enough that it does notsupport microbial growth. In another embodiment, a prebiotic compositionis formulated as a viscous fluid without a preservative in a gelcapsule. In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition comprising GOSis a viscous fluid. In another embodiment, a prebiotic compositioncomprises a high percentage of GOS that does not support microbialgrowth. In another embodiment, the prebiotic composition comprises GOSand inulin or FOS.

In another embodiment, an oral dosage form is provided comprising aprebiotic composition, wherein the oral dosage form is a softgel. In oneembodiment the softgel comprises a syrup. In one embodiment the syrupcomprises a prebiotic composition. In one embodiment the prebioticcomposition comprises GOS. In another embodiment the prebioticcomposition comprises more than 80% GOS. In another embodiment theprebiotic composition comprises between 80-99.9% GOS. In anotherembodiment the prebiotic composition comprises more than 80% GOS. Inanother embodiment the prebiotic composition comprises about 80, 81, 82,83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or99.9% GOS.

In one embodiment a GOS composition is formulated for delivery in a softgel capsule. In one embodiment a GOS composition formulated for deliveryin a soft gel capsule is a high percentage GOS composition, such as a90-100% GOS composition (e.g., 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or100% GOS composition by weight). In another embodiment a GOS compositionformulated for delivery in a soft gel capsule comprises about 95% GOS.In another embodiment a GOS composition formulated for delivery in asoft gel capsule comprises about 96% GOS. In another embodiment, the GOScomposition is formulated such that its water content is low enough thatit does not support microbial growth. In another embodiment, the GOScomposition is formulated as a viscous fluid without a preservative in agel capsule. In another embodiment, the GOS composition is formulated asa viscous fluid without an antioxidant in a gel capsule. In anotherembodiment the soft gel capsule comprises about 0.1-2 g of a GOScomposition.

In another embodiment a prebiotic composition can be formulated asdescribed, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,331, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. A prebiotic composition can be formulated tocomprise an oligosaccharide, a foaming component, a water-insolubledietary fiber, or a neutralizing component. In one embodiment aprebiotic composition can be in the form of a chewable tablet.

In one embodiment a foaming component can be at least one memberselected from the group consisting of sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodiumcarbonate, and calcium carbonate. In one embodiment a neutralizingcomponent can be at least one member selected from the group consistingof citric acid, L-tartaric acid, fumaric acid, L-ascorbic acid, DL-malicacid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and anhydrous citric acid. In oneembodiment a water-insoluble dietary fiber can be at least one memberselected from the group consisting of crystalline cellulose, wheat bran,oat bran, cone fiber, soy fiber, and beet fiber. The formulation cancontain a sucrose fatty acid ester, powder sugar, fruit juice powder,and/or flavoring material.

Formulations of the provided invention can include additive componentsselected from various known additives. Such additives include, forexample, saccharides (excluding oligosaccharides), sugar alcohols,sweeteners and like excipients, binders, disintegrators, lubricants,thickeners, surfactants, electrolytes, flavorings, coloring agents, pHmodifiers, fluidity improvers, and the like. Specific examples of theadditives include wheat starch, potato starch, corn starch, dextrin andlike starches; sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, xylose, lactose andlike saccharides (excluding oligosaccharides); sorbitol, mannitol,maltitol, xylitol and like sugar alcohols; calcium phosphate, calciumsulfate and like excipients; starch, saccharides, gelatine, gum arabic,dextrin, methyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol,hydroxypropylcellulose, xanthan gum, pectin, gum tragacanth, casein,alginic acid and like binders and thickeners; leucine, isoleucine,L-valine, sugar esters, hardened oils, stearic acid, magnesium stearate,talc, macrogols and like lubricants; CMC, CMC-Na, CMC-Ca and likedisintegrators; polysorbate, lecithin and like surfactants; aspartame,alitame and like dipeptides; silicon dioxide and like fluidityimprovers; and stevia, saccharin, and like sweeteners. The amounts ofthese additives can be properly selected based on their relation toother components and properties of the preparation, production method,etc.

In one embodiment, a GOS composition is a chewable oral dosageformulation. In one embodiment the chewable formulation can comprisesbetween about 1-99.9% GOS. In one embodiment, a GOS compositioncomprises about 80% GOS, about 5% L-ascorbic acid, about 2% anhydrouscitric acid, about 3% sodium hydrogencarbonate, about 3% calciumcarbonate, about 2% sucrose fatty acid, about 3% fruit juice powder, andabout 2% potassium carbonate.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 85% GOS, about5% L-ascorbic acid, about 3% sodium hydrogencarbonate, about 2% sodiumcarbonate, about 2% sucrose fatty acid ester, about 2% fruit juicepowder, and about 1% potassium carbonate.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 90% GOS, about2% L-ascorbic acid, about 1% anhydrous citric acid, about 2% sodiumhydrogencarbonate, about 2% sodium carbonate, about 2% sucrose fattyacid ester, and about 1% potassium carbonate.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS, about2% L-ascorbic acid, about 1% sodium hydrogencarbonate, and about 2%fruit juice powder. In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprisesabout 95% GOS and about 5% of L-ascorbic acid, anhydrous citric acid,sodium hydrogencarbonate, calcium carbonate, sucrose fatty acid, fruitjuice powder, or potassium carbonate.

In another embodiment, a GOS composition comprises about 95% GOS andabout 5% of L-ascorbic acid, anhydrous citric acid, sodiumhydrogencarbonate, calcium carbonate, sucrose fatty acid, fruit juicepowder, and potassium carbonate.

VI. Treatment

A. Lactose Intolerance

The invention provides methods and prebiotic compositions useful for thereduction of symptoms of lactose intolerance and for improving overallgastrointestinal (GI) health. Symptoms of lactose intolerance includegas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, and vomiting. Minordigestive problems related to the GI also include occasional bloating,diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn, or stomach upset. The methodsand compositions described herein can be useful for reducing oreliminating one or more of these symptoms, for example through colonicadaptation. These compositions are expected to modify the colonicmicrobiota, which may result in an increased tolerance to lactose andother fermentable carbohydrates. Furthermore, these compositions canallow the colonic microbiota, comprising microorganisms known toincrease the ability of an individual to tolerate fermentablecarbohydrates, to be regularly replenished through consumption of thecompositions. Adaptation of the intestinal and colonic microbiota,improve the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and the capacityfor consumption of foods comprising lactose can be increased. Forexample, an individual's tolerance to dairy in general can be improvedthrough regular consumption of a prebiotic composition. This change incolonic microbiota is useful for the reduction of bloating, diarrhea,gastric distention and pain, and/or flatulence from the consumption ofdairy products or other foods comprising lactose. In one embodiment, amethod of treating lactose intolerance is disclosed. In anotherembodiment, a method of treating at least one symptom of lactoseintolerance is disclosed.

There are at least three types of lactose intolerance. Primary lactoseintolerance results from a decrease in lactase production as a subjectages. Secondary lactose intolerance can result when a subject's smallintestine decreases lactase production after an illness, surgery, orinjury to the small intestine. Secondary lactose intolerance can occuras a result of Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or gastroenteritis. Thistype of lactose intolerance can be temporary or permanent. A third typeof lactose intolerance is congenital lactose intolerance, in which asubject is born with lactose intolerance. Risk factors that can make aperson more prone to lactose intolerance include, for example, age(lactose intolerance usually has an onset of after age 5), ethnicity(lactose intolerance is more common in black, Asian, Hispanic, andAmerican Indian populations), and premature birth (infants born 28 to 32weeks of gestation).

B. Testing Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can be tested either indirectly or directly.Indirect testing methods include, but are not limited to: a hydrogenbreath test, a stool acidity test, a blood glucose test, or milkchallenge test. In the hydrogen breath test, the breath is measured todetermine the amount of hydrogen produced after consuming a measuredamount of lactose, typically 15 g. The lactose is administered bydrinking a lactose mixture, and the subject exhales into a vacuum-sealedcollection tube at three one hour time intervals. A high level ofhydrogen in the breath indicates an improper digestion of lactose. In astool test, the stool is tested to determine the amount of acid. In ablood glucose test, the blood is tested to determine the amount ofglucose (sugar) content after administering a predetermined amount oflactose-containing product to the subject. The direct method measureslactase activity in a mucosal biopsy specimen.

The stool acidity test is typically used to test lactose intolerance ininfants and young children. The hydrogen breath test is typically notrecommended for young children since dehydration can occur due todiarrhea after ingestion of the lactose-containing drink.

Effectiveness of treatment can be measured in a number of ways.Conventional measurements, such as those described, can be used beforeand after treatment. Alternatively, or in addition, the amount oflactose-containing product that can be administered before the onset ofone or more symptoms can be measured or evaluated before and aftertreatment. Thus, for example, treatment can be considered fully orpartially effective if, after treatment, less hydrogen is produced onaverage in a subject after challenge with a food comprising lactose(such as a dairy product).

More commonly, a subject can not precisely test the amount of hydrogenor use a blood glucose test to measure effectiveness. Instead, a subjectcan subjectively determine the quantity of lactose-containing productsthey can consume, and the types and degree of symptoms experienced aftersuch consumption. “Partial” elimination of symptoms of lactoseintolerance includes a subjective or measurable increase in the amountof lactose that can be consumed before the onset of symptoms.“Substantial” elimination of symptoms of lactose intolerance, as usedherein, encompasses an effect where at least about twice the amount oflactose or a lactose containing food can be consumed after treatmentbefore the onset of symptoms as could have been consumed beforetreatment. “Complete” or “substantially complete” elimination ofsymptoms of lactose intolerance, as used herein, indicates that normalamounts of lactose can be consumed after treatment (i.e., the amount oflactose in a typical diet for the area or culture in which the subjectnormally lives) without symptoms, or with only the rare occurrence ofsymptoms.

In one embodiment a subject in need thereof can consume one half cup (4oz.; about 120 mL) of milk with no, or minimal, symptoms of lactoseintolerance. However, consumption of 1 or more cups (about 240 mL) ofmilk causes symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as gas or diarrhea, tooccur. After treatment with a composition and/or dosing regimendisclosed herein, a subject can find that 1 and one-half cups (about 360mL) of milk can be consumed in a single administration without causingany symptoms of lactose intolerance. The subject would experience thesubstantial elimination of the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Inanother embodiment a subject can find that after treatment with acomposition and/or dosing regimen disclosed a normal diet for theirgeographical or cultural region can be consumed with no, or rare,symptoms of lactose intolerance.

In another embodiment effectiveness can be measured by a percentagedecrease in one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance. In thismeasurement, the severity of a predetermined symptom, or set of symptomsis measured before and after treatment, e.g., using pre and post Likertscale. Exemplary symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramping,abdominal pain, and vomiting. Any one or more than one, of the symptomscan be measured. For example, a subject can be asked to rate one or moresymptoms on a scale of increasing severity from 1 to 5. In oneembodiment, a set of symptoms is rated, and the ratings are added; forexample, gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distension,vomiting, nausea, or cramping can be rated. In another embodiment apercentage change in one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance can becalculated based on a subject's ratings before and after treatment witha composition or method disclosed herein. In one embodiment thecomposition is a prebiotic composition. In one embodiment the prebioticcomposition comprises GOS. In one embodiment symptoms of lactoseintolerance can be considered to be reduced by the a subject's reporteddecrease in one or more specific symptoms after challenge with a foodcomprising lactose (e.g., if there is a 50% decrease in symptoms, thensymptoms of lactose intolerance are reduced by 50%).

In another embodiment a milk challenge test is used to determine if asubject is lactose intolerant. In the milk challenge test, a subjectfasts overnight, and then the person drinks a glass of milk in themorning. After drinking the milk, nothing else is eaten or drunk forthree to five hours. If a subject experiences one or more symptoms oflactose intolerance within several hours after consuming the milk thenthe subject is lactose intolerant.

In another embodiment a subject is directly tested for lactoseintolerance by biopsying the intestinal lining and measuring lactaselevels in the lining.

C. Types of Lactose Intolerance and Treatments

People can have different degrees of lactose intolerance. Lactoseintolerance can also be psychologically induced. There are also manydifferent variations of lactose intolerance depending on the subject.For example, some subjects cannot consume cheese, melted cheese, plainmilk, or warm dairy containing products like milk in coffee withoutexperiencing one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance. In anotherembodiment a subject cannot consume any dairy products withoutexperiencing one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance. In someembodiment a lactose intolerant subject is limited to consuming special“lactose free” foods that have been manufactured to be free of lactose.Some examples of these “lactose free” foods are: MOCHA MIX® ice cream,TOFUTTI® ice cream and ice cream sandwiches, LACTAID® brand milk,FORMAGG™ cheese, TOFUTTI® “Better than Cream Cheese”, and margarine.

In one embodiment a subject consumes a lactase tablet to help digest thelactose in milk or a milk product. Each lactase tablet typicallyhydrolyzes up to 99% of the ingested lactose within 24 hours and isdesigned to be ingested with the lactose containing food. Other possibletechniques for dealing with lactose maldigestion are to usemicrogranules containing bioactive compounds or microorganisms (see,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,021, which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety). The use of an active lactase composition for treatmentof lactase deficiency is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,739, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Digestive Advantage™Lactose Intolerance Therapy, which includes probiotics and digestiveenzymes, can also be used for dietary management of lactosemaldigestion.

D. Administration of Prebiotic Compositions

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition is used in a method byadministering increasing doses of the composition to a subject who issuffering from lactose intolerance, experiencing symptoms of lactoseintolerance, or is in need of improving overall gastrointestinal (GI)health. In one embodiment the subject experiences a reduction orelimination of one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance or animprovement in overall gastrointestinal health after administration ofthe prebiotic composition. In one embodiment the prebiotic compositioncomprises GOS. In one embodiment a GOS composition can optionallycomprise digestible saccharides. In one embodiment, a GOS composition isadministered in about equal doses over a period of time to a subjectwith lactose intolerance or symptoms of lactose intolerance, or to asubject in need of improved gastrointestinal health. In one embodiment aGOS composition is administered in increasing doses, for a period oftime, to a subject with lactose intolerance or symptoms of lactoseintolerance, or to a subject in need of improved gastrointestinalhealth. In one embodiment a GOS composition is provided in any formsuitable for oral consumption, such as by a liquid, tablet, capsule, orpowdered form. In one embodiment a subject is treated with just a GOScomposition, without supplementation with a probiotic.

In another embodiment, other substances can be administered incombination with a GOS composition. In one embodiment lactose issimultaneously administered with a GOS composition. In one embodimentlactose is administered before a GOS composition (e.g., before a regimenof increasing doses of a GOS composition begins, or before a dose of aGOS composition during such a regimen). In another embodiment adigestible saccharide is administered after a dose of GOS composition(e.g., after a regimen of increasing doses of GOS compositions begins,or after a dose of GOS compositions during such a regimen). In anotherembodiment, a digestible saccharide can be administered simultaneouslywith, before, or after the administration of the GOS composition or anycombination thereof.

In another embodiment a GOS composition is supplemented with one or moreother non-digestible saccharides, such as inulin, FOS, lactulose,raffinose, stachyose, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment the GOS composition is supplemented with one ormore strains of probiotic bacteria. In another embodiment the GOScomposition is supplemented with one or more digestible saccharides,salts, or buffers, e.g., phosphates.

In another embodiment a GOS composition is administered in combinationwith lactase, or with a product containing pre-digested lactose. Inanother embodiment a GOS composition is administered in an increasingdose, in combination with lactase or with a product containingpre-digested lactose. In another embodiment a GOS composition isadministered in an about equal doses over time, in combination withlactase or with a product containing pre-digested lactose.

In another embodiment, one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance in asubject exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance are decreased oreliminated by administering to the subject a GOS composition for aperiod of time. In one embodiment the administration comprisesincreasing the amounts of a GOS composition administered to a subjectover time. In another embodiment the administration comprisesadministering about equal amounts of a GOS composition to a subject overtime. In one embodiment, a symptom of lactose intolerance remainspartially, substantially, or completely eliminated or decreased inseverity in a subject for at least about 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 9 months, one year, 18months, two years, three years, four years, or five years after thetermination of treatment. In another embodiment a symptom of lactoseintolerance remains partially, substantially, or completely eliminatedor decreased in severity in a subject for more than 5 years. In anotherembodiment a symptom of lactose intolerance is permanently eliminated ordecreased in severity in a subject after the termination of treatment.In another embodiment, the methods herein decrease symptoms of lactoseintolerance in a subject exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance byadministering to the subject increasing amounts of a GOS composition fora period of time, wherein symptoms of lactose intolerance aresubstantially eliminated for at least about one month after treatment isterminated.

In another embodiment, a symptom of lactose intolerance in a subjectexhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance is decreased or eliminated byadministering to the subject increasing amounts of a prebioticcomposition for a period of time, wherein the symptoms of lactoseintolerance, measured as described herein, are decreased by an averageof about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or about 100%when compared to symptoms prior to the administration of a prebioticcomposition. An “average” decrease is a decrease as measured in a groupof subjects exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as morethan about 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or 30 subjects. In one embodiment, thedecrease in or elimination of a symptom of lactose intolerance persistsfor at least about 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months,5 months, 6 months, 9 months, one year, 18 months, two years, threeyears, four years, or five years. In another embodiment a symptom oflactose intolerance remains partially, substantially, or completelyeliminated or decreased in severity in a subject for more than 5 yearsafter the termination of treatment. In one embodiment, the decrease orelimination of a symptom is permanent. In another embodiment, theinvention provides a method of decreasing symptoms of lactoseintolerance in a subject exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance byadministering to the subject increasing amounts of a prebioticcomposition for a period of time, wherein one or more symptoms oflactose intolerance, measured as described herein, are decreased by anaverage of at least about 20% and remain decreased by at least about 20%for at least about one month after treatment is terminated.

In another embodiment, the methods herein decrease symptoms of lactoseintolerance in a subject exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance byadministering to the subject increasing amounts of a prebioticcomposition for a period of time, wherein one or more symptoms oflactose intolerance, measured as described herein, are decreased by anaverage of about least about 50% and remain decreased by at least about50% for at least about one month after treatment is terminated.

In another embodiment, the methods herein decrease symptoms of lactoseintolerance in a subject exhibiting symptoms of lactose intolerance byadministering to the subject increasing amounts of a prebioticcomposition for a period of time, wherein one or more symptoms oflactose intolerance, measured as described herein, are decreased by anaverage of about least about 75% and remain decreased by at least about75% for at least about one month after treatment is terminated.

In one embodiment the total duration of treatment of lactose intolerancecan be from about one week to about 12 weeks, or about four weeks toabout ten weeks, or about four weeks to about eight weeks, or about sixweeks. During this period of time, the subject is started on a programof taking increasing amounts of a prebiotic composition described herein(such as a composition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS),optionally along with ingestion of lactose containing food products. Inone embodiment a prebiotic composition can also be administered incombination with another substance (such as a probiotic), as describedherein. In one embodiment, the total duration of treatment is about 5days to about 35 days. In one embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 7 days to about 90 days, or about 7 days to about 60days, or about 14 days to about 50 days, or about 14 days to about 40days, or about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 30 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 34 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 36 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 38 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 42 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 60 days. In another embodiment, the total duration oftreatment is about 90 days.

In another embodiment, the total duration of treatment is based on asubject's response to the treatment. For example, an individual canexperience a reduction in lactose intolerance symptoms after 14 days oftreatment with a prebiotic composition. In another example an individualcan experience a reduction in lactose intolerance symptoms after 30 daysof treatment with a prebiotic composition. Thus, the duration oftreatment is determined by an individual subject's response to aprebiotic composition and the onset of relief from one or more lactoseintolerance symptoms.

In one embodiment the treatment is continuous. In one embodiment, theduration of the treatment is based on a subject's symptoms of lactoseintolerance. Thus, a subject can experience symptoms at a given dose ofa prebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS), and can require that the subject stay at that dose,or a lower dose, until symptoms subside. Thus, in one embodiment, theduration of the treatment is not determined at the outset, but continuesuntil the maximum dose of a prebiotic composition (such as a compositioncomprising or consisting essentially of GOS), is achieved per day, oruntil the desired level of lactose tolerance is achieved. In oneembodiment the maximum amount of prebiotic composition (e.g., acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), administeredper day is between 0.4 g and 20 g, such as about 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5,16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20 g per day. In anotherembodiment, a dose can be about 0.4 g to 6 g.

In one embodiment, a subject can be given one dose for a period of timeduring a treatment regimen and a second dose during a second period oftime during the treatment regimen. For example, a subject can beadministered one dose of prebiotic composition for a one or two weekperiod and a second dose for a subsequent one or two week period. In oneembodiment the prebiotic composition comprises GOS.

In one embodiment an increasing dosage of a prebiotic composition (e.g.,a composition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), can beachieved by increasing the number of doses per day of the compositionadministered, increasing the amount of a prebiotic compositionadministered per dose, or both. In one embodiment, both strategies areused. Thus, in one embodiment, a prebiotic composition (e.g., acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), is initiallyadministered once per day, at increasing doses, for a pre-determinednumber of days. This can be followed by a period of time when aprebiotic composition is administered twice per day as a first andsecond dose. The first dose of a prebiotic composition can beadministered at a constant dose while the second dose can beadministered in increasing doses, for a pre-determined number of days.In one embodiment the prebiotic composition comprises GOS. In oneembodiment, the dose can be administered to a subject at a frequency ofonce per day, twice per day, or three times per day. The number of daysof administration can last for a period of about 1 to 90 days, such as1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 days.

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition can be administered twiceper day. The first dose of the prebiotic composition (e.g., acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), can remainconstant while the second dose increases over time. In anotherembodiment, the prebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising orconsisting essentially of GOS), can be administered an average of aboutonce per day, twice per day, three, four, five, six, or more than sixtimer per day, or any combination thereof. The prebiotic composition canbe administered for a period of about 1 to 90 days, such as 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59,60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77,78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 days.

In another embodiment the prebiotic composition is administered at thesame dosage level at each administration. Thus, in one embodiment, aprebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS), is initially administered once to six times per dayat the same dosage level. The prebiotic composition can be administeredfor a period of about 1 to 90 days, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 days.

In one embodiment, a subject who has completed a treatment regimenconsumes dairy products at least once every 4-5 days in order tomaintain the reduction in symptoms of lactose intolerance.

In another embodiment, a subject self-administers a prebioticcomposition (e.g., a composition comprising or consisting essentially ofGOS). In one embodiment, the prebiotic composition (e.g., a compositioncomprising or consisting essentially of GOS), composition is supplied orrecommended by a health professional, e.g., a dietician, nutritionist,nurse, physician, or other qualified health professional. In anotherembodiment, the prebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising orconsisting essentially of GOS), is administered by a health professionalor results of the program are monitored by a health professional. In oneembodiment, a prebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising orconsisting essentially of GOS), is labeled as a medical food.

In one embodiment a subject in need thereof can repeat courses oftreatment with a prebiotic composition. The course of treatment can berepeated when symptoms of lactose intolerance reappear or increase to anundesirable level. Alternatively, the course of treatment can berepeated at regular or predetermined intervals. Thus, treatment can berepeated after about one month, two months, three months, four months,six months, eight months, ten months, one year, 18 months, two years,three years, four years, five years, or more than five years, or anycombination thereof (e.g., treatment can be repeated after one year,then every two to five years thereafter). The treatment can be repeatedin the same form (e.g., duration, dosage, timing of dosage, additionalsubstances, etc.) as used in the first treatment or it can be modified.For example, treatment duration can be shortened or lengthened, dosagecan be increased more quickly or slowly or a higher or lower startingdose of a prebiotic composition, a different prebiotic composition (suchas a composition comprising inulin, FOS, lactulose, raffinose, stachyoseor combinations thereof) can be used (e.g., containing more or less ofother substances, or fewer or more substances in addition to GOS ordigestible saccharides), and the like.

In one embodiment an initial dose of a prebiotic composition isadministered to a subject in need thereof as part of a dosing regimewith incremental increases in the dosage of the prebiotic compositionover time. The incremental increases in a prebiotic composition dosagecan be any suitable dose size. In one embodiment, the starting dose of aprebiotic composition is about 0.05 g to 4.0 g, or about 0.1 g to about3 g, or about 0.2 g to about 3.0 g, or about 0.2 g to about 2 g, orabout 0.4 g to about 1.6 g, or about 0.4 g to about 1.4 g, or about 0.6g to about 1.2 g, or about 0.6 g to about 1.0 g, or about 0.7 g to about0.9 g, or about 0.8 g. In another embodiment, the starting dose of aprebiotic composition is about 0.2 g to about 4.7 g, about 0.5 g toabout 8.0 g, or about 0.4 g to about 6.8 g. In one embodiment, theincremental increase in prebiotic or GOS composition dosage can vary, oreach increase can be the same, or any combination thereof. In anotherembodiment, an amount of a prebiotic composition administered to asubject in need thereof can be increased incrementally by about 0.05 gto 4.0 g, or about 0.1 g to about 3 g, or about 0.2 g to about 3.0 g, orabout 0.2 g to about 2 g, or about 0.4 g to about 1.6 g, or about 0.4 gto about 1.4 g, or about 0.6 g to about 1.2 g, or about 0.6 g to about1.0 g, or about 0.7 g to about 0.9 g, or about 0.8 g. In anotherembodiment, an amount of a prebiotic composition administered to asubject in need thereof can be increased incrementally by about 0.5 g,about 0.29 g, about 0.30 g, or about 0.42 g, about 0.43 g. In anotherembodiment, an amount of a prebiotic composition administered to asubject in need thereof can be increased incrementally by 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 g per dose. The maximum dose reachedin treatment can be any suitable dose size, depending on the subjectbeing treated and the outcome desired. In one embodiment the maximumdose of a prebiotic composition administered in a single dose can beabout 1 g to about 2 g, about 3 g to about 4 g, about 5 g to about 6 g,about 6 g to about 60 g, or about 12 g to about 48 g, or about 14 g toabout 36 g, or about 16 g to about 36 g, or about 18 g to about 34 g, orabout 20 g to about 32 g, or about 22 g to about 30 g, or about 23 g toabout 29 g, or about 24 g to about 28 g, or about 25 to about 27 g, orabout 25.5 g to about 26.5 g, or about 25.5 g, 25.6 g, or 25.7 g perdose. In one embodiment the maximum dose of prebiotic compositionadministered is about 12 g per dose.

In one embodiment of the invention, an initial dose of prebioticcomposition is about 0.4 g, and the dose is increased by 0.4 g overtime, for example, daily, until a maximum dose of 20 g to 25 g of aprebiotic composition is reached. In another embodiment, the initialdose of a prebiotic composition is about 0.5 g, and the dose isincreased by 0.5 g over time, for example, daily, until a maximum of 8.0g to 15 g of prebiotic composition per day is reached.

A prebiotic composition can be administered in any suitable form, suchas a powder, capsules, tablets, a powder that can be dissolved in aliquid prior to consumption, or in liquid form, (e.g., GOS pre-dissolvedin a liquid). Any grade or form of prebiotics that is suitable forconsumption by the subject being treated, e.g., by a human, can be used.

Additional substances can be given in conjunction with a prebioticcomposition or GOS composition. These substances can enhance the actionof the increasing doses of prebiotic by, e.g., encouraging the growth ofbacteria in the gut that alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance,increasing adhesion of probiotic or beneficial commensal bacteria, orallowing doses of probiotic bacteria to more readily pass through thestomach without being destroyed. These substances can be given prior totreatment with prebiotic, during treatment with prebiotic, aftertreatment with prebiotic, or any combination thereof. If administeredduring prebiotic treatment, they can be administered with the dose ofprebiotic being given, or before or after the dose of prebiotic, or anycombination thereof.

In one embodiment substances of use in the invention in conjunction witha prebiotic composition include a probiotic microbe(s), lactase or otherlactose digestive enzymes, or buffers (such as phosphates). One or moreof these substances can be used in combination with prebioticcomposition at any suitable time before, during, after treatment, orsome combination thereof. In one embodiment, during some or all of thetreatment, a prebiotic composition is administered in conjunction withlive bacteria. In another embodiment, during some or all of thetreatment, a prebiotic composition is administered in conjunction withlactase or other lactose digestive enzymes. In another embodiment,during some or all of the treatment, a prebiotic composition isadministered in conjunction with a buffer (e.g., phosphates). In anotherembodiment, during some or all of the treatment, a prebiotic composition(e.g., GOS) comprises trace amounts of digestible saccharides, such aslactose, glucose or galactose. In one embodiment the trace amounts ofdigestible saccharides make up 5% by weight (such as 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%,0.5%, or 0.1%) or less of the prebiotic composition. In anotherembodiment the trace amounts of digestible saccharides make up about 20%by weight (such as about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%,11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%) or less ofthe prebiotic composition.

E. Treatment Regimens

In one embodiment, treatment with a prebiotic composition (e.g., acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS), optionally inconjunction with a probiotic composition, one or more digestiblesaccharides, a buffer, or a combination thereof, is used in combinationwith other treatments to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Anysuitable treatment for the reduction of symptoms of lactose intolerancecan be used, e.g., the use of lactase. In another embodiment lactase canbe administered before, during, or after treatment with a prebioticcomposition, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, whensymptoms of lactose intolerance are not completely or substantiallycompletely eliminated by treatment with a prebiotic composition, lactasecan be administered after prebiotic treatment is terminated. The lactasecan be used on an as-needed basis.

A subject to be treated can include, for example, a human, for example,a preterm newborn, a full term newborn, an infant up to one year of age,young children (e.g., 1 yr to 12 yrs), teenagers, (e.g., 13-19 yrs),adults (e.g., 20-64 yrs), pregnant women, and elderly adults (65 yrs andolder).

Treatment regimens can last, for example, about 1-20 days, about 1-25days, about 1-30 days, about 1-35 days, about 1-40 days, about 1-45days, about 1-50 days, about 5-30 days, about 5-35 days, about 5-40days, about 5-45 days, about 5-50 days, about 5-55 days, about 5-60days, or about 5-90 days. Treatment regimens can last exactly or about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 days.The amount of each dose in a treatment regimen can be constant. Forexample, a constant dose of prebiotics can be administered each day to asubject for the duration of the treatment regimens described above. Thedosing regimen can be, for example, a constant 0.1-20 g of prebiotic perday, or the dosing regimen can be an escalating regimen, for example, 2g of prebiotic on day 1 and 20 g of prebiotic on day 20. The dose canescalate by, for example, about 0.1 g, 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.4 g, 0.5 g, 0.6g, 0.7 g, 0.8 g, 0.9 g, 1.0 g, 1.1 g, 1.2 g, 1.3 g, 1.4 g, 1.5 g, 1.6 g,1.7 g, 1.8 g, 1.9 g, 2.0 g, 2.1 g, 2.2 g, 2.3 g, 2.4 g, 2.5 g, 2.6 g,2.7 g, 2.8 g, 2.9 g, 3.0 g, 3.1 g, 3.2 g, 3.3 g, 3.4 g, 3.5 g, 3.6 g,3.7 g, 3.8 g, 3.9 g, 4.0 g, 4.1 g, 4.2 g, 4.3 g, 4.4 g, 4.5 g, 4.6 g,4.7 g, 4.8 g, 4.9 g, or 5.0 g per day. The dosing regimen can includebetween 0.1 and 20 g of prebiotic per day. The regimen can also includeescalating the number of doses per day, for example, 1 dose per day, 2doses per day, 3 doses per day, 4 doses per day, 5 doses per day, 6doses per day, 7 doses per day, 8 doses per day, 9 doses per day, or 10doses per day. For example, 1 dose per day can be administered on day 1,2 doses per day on day 10, and 3 doses per day on day 20 of a treatmentregimen.

In one embodiment, the treatment occurs in phases. One phase utilizes asingle administration of a prebiotic composition per day, generallythough not necessarily with food, e.g., dinner. The dose of a prebioticcomposition increases over time. For example, the dose of a prebioticcomposition can increase each day. Another phase, generally followingthe first phase, utilizes two administrations of a prebiotic compositionper day, again, generally with food, e.g., with breakfast and dinner.Again, during this phase the dose of a composition comprising aprebiotic increases over time, e.g., increasing each day. In oneembodiment, the treatment includes one phase in which a compositioncomprising a prebiotic composition is administered once per day inconjunction with a probiotic (e.g., live bacteria). This phase, if used,is generally the first phase of the method.

Optionally a probiotic microbe(s) can be administered during some or allof the entire period of treatment. For example, in one embodiment, aprobiotic can be included in a prebiotic-containing product that isadministered to a subject. Typically, during the preceding phases nodairy products are consumed. A final phase of the protocol can involvethe gradual reintroduction of dairy into the diet, either with orwithout the continuing use of the prebiotic composition used in thefirst phases of treatment. Finally, treatment is concluded and nofurther ingestion of a prebiotic composition is required.

In another embodiment the dosing regimen comprises five phases. Thefirst phase comprises administration of a prebiotic composition for twodays, optionally with a probiotic. In the second phase, a prebioticcomposition is taken with food once a day (e.g., breakfast, lunch, ordinner) for a period of about 10 to 30 days, or about 14 to 24 days, orabout 16 to 20 days, or about 18 days. In the third phase, a prebioticcomposition is taken twice a day with food (e.g., both breakfast anddinner) for another period of about 6 to 18 days, or about 8 to 16 days,or about 10 to 14 days, or about 12 days. For the fourth phase lastinganother 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 days (e.g., about 4 days) thereafter, aprebiotic composition is administered with both dinner and breakfast,along with the addition of a lactose containing product (e.g., a dairyproduct). Prior to this time, dairy products are not administered duringthe first phases, e.g., the first about 30-34 days of the regimen. Thistotal period, e.g., of approximately 38 days, can constitute the fullperiod in which a prebiotic composition is administered, but moreimportantly administered essentially in these time periods. In oneembodiment, following the actual administration of a prebioticcomposition, the regimen optionally includes a fifth phase: the actualingestion of dairy products every few days to maintain and build uptolerance to lactose, but without the administration of a prebioticcomposition (to test the establishment of lactose tolerance). If lactosetolerance is not established, the regimen can be repeated. In the firstperiod of time, through the first, roughly 18 days, the amount of aprebiotic composition administered at dinner time increases regularlyeach day. Thereafter, and in the third period, a prebiotic compositionis administered regularly each day in combination with a breakfast meal.Moreover, and for the final days, e.g., the final four days, a lactosecontaining food item, such as milk, also is regularly increased forthose 4 days.

If an initial treatment regimen is successful in generating lactosetolerance in a lactose intolerant person, and the lactose intolerancerecurs, one or more treatment regimens can be repeated.

In one embodiment, a first dose of a prebiotic composition isadministered in increasing amounts for a 6-week period. On the first andsecond days of this period, probiotic bacteria comprising one or morestrains of bacteria (e.g., in a food containing product also having alive culture bacteria) is administered with the prebiotic composition.One such food item containing live cultured bacteria is yogurt. Further,during the third phase during this 6-week period, a second dose of aprebiotic composition (such as a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS) is administered, typically at breakfast time.

In one embodiment a prebiotic composition and a probiotic compositionare administered to a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, in thefirst day of the regimen, a subject ingests 8 ounces (about 226.4 g) orless of a probiotic composition along with 1 tablespoon (about 14.8 mL)of a prebiotic composition, at the dinner meal. In one embodiment, asubject in need thereof will ingest 8 ounces (about 226.4 g) or less ofa probiotic composition on the first day, along with 1 tablespoon (about14.8 mL) of a prebiotic composition with dinner. On the second day, theamount of the yogurt ingested is reduced by half to 4 ounces (about113.2 g) or less of a probiotic composition, although the administrationof the a prebiotic composition remains the same. On the third day,administration of the probiotic composition is stopped, butadministration of a prebiotic composition remains at 1 tablespoon (about14.8 mL). During the 4th through the 18th days, the amount of aprebiotic composition (e.g., a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS) ingested with dinner is increased by 1 tablespoon(about 14.8 mL) each day until 16 tablespoons (about 237 mL) are reachedon the day 18.

In the third phase of the regimen, both 1 tablespoon (about 14.8 mL) ofa prebiotic composition (such as a composition comprising or consistingessentially of GOS) is ingested in the morning, with breakfast, and 16tablespoons (about 237 mL) of a prebiotic composition (e.g., acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS) are ingestedwith dinner. From day 16 until day 34, the same ratio of a prebioticcomposition (e.g., a composition comprising or consisting essentially ofGOS) with dinner is maintained, but the morning dose increases daily ata rate of a tablespoon (about 14.8 mL) per day. In this way, by day 34,the subject in need thereof is ingesting 32 tablespoons (about 474 mL)of a prebiotic composition (such as a composition comprising orconsisting essentially of GOS).

On day 35, ingestion of the a prebiotic composition (such as acomposition comprising or consisting essentially of GOS) is discontinuedand in place thereof, a dairy product such as milk (without prebioticcomposition) is ingested, with 9 ounces (about 255 g) of milk in themorning and an additional 9 ounces (about 255 g) in the evening. Themilk amounts are increased incrementally at a rate of an ounce (about28.3 g) per day, such that, by day 38, the subject is ingesting 12ounces (about 340 g) of milk with breakfast and an additional 12 ounces(about 340 g) of milk at dinner. Optionally, on days 39 through 42,cheese is substituted for milk.

In another embodiment the number of days in which a prebiotic orprobiotic composition is administered can vary, and the quantity of thedosages can similarly be modified according to the needs of a particularsubject and the symptoms of the subject. Even though there can bevariations in both the time period and the dosage rates, the concept ofincreasing the dosages of a prebiotic composition for specific timeperiods is maintained and encompassed by the methods herein.

In another embodiment a subject in need thereof can ingest more than 5tablespoons (about 74 mL) of a prebiotic composition by day 7. As aresult, the amount of a prebiotic composition ingested by day 7 can beincreased to 6 tablespoons (about 89 mL) on day 8. Determination ofwhether or not the subject is capable of increasing the dosage or thetime period depends on whether or not the subject encounters any adverseaffects.

The same alterations can be made in the time intervals between theadministration of a prebiotic composition and a lactose containing fooditem. Thus, if desired, the subject in need thereof could potentiallyalter the amount of a prebiotic composition every 12 hours. In likemanner, that time period could vary to 36 or even 48 hours. As indicatedpreviously, a prebiotic composition of the invention can be administeredin a powder formulation of a prebiotic composition (e.g., a compositioncomprising or consisting essentially of GOS), the latter of which can bemixed with water and administered much in the same manner as a softdrink A prebiotic composition can also be incorporated in one or morecapsules, capsules, or gels, as indicated. Further, a prebioticcomposition can be supplied in a liquid formulation for oraladministration.

In one embodiment a subject in need thereof is treated with a regimenusing a powdered prebiotic composition using a dosing schedule as setforth in FIG. 5, 6, or 7. For FIGS. 5 and 6, 70% GOS refers to a GOScomposition comprising 70% by weight GOS, about 20% by weight lactose,and 10% by weight digestible saccharides. In FIG. 5, a prebioticcomposition contains a GOS composition (starting at 0.5 g and increasedto 8.00 g over 34 days) with 0% by weight additional lactose. Forexample, the amount of 70% GOS composition administered can be about 0.5g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 2.5 g, 3 g, 3.5 g, 4 g, 4.5 g, 5 g, 5.5 g, 6 g, 6.5g, 7 g, 7.5 g, or 8.0 g. In FIG. 6, a prebiotic composition contains a70% GOS composition (starting at 0.29 g and increased to 4.69 g over 34days) with additional lactose (starting at 0.33 g and increased to 5.3 gover 34 days). For example, the amount of 70% GOS compositionadministered can be about 0.29 g, 0.59 g, 0.88 g, 1.17 g, 1.46 g, 1.76g, 2.05 g, 2.34 g, 2.64 g, 2.93 g, 3.22 g, 3.52 g, 3.81 g, 4.10 g, 4.39g, or 4.69 g. In FIG. 7, the 90% GOS are a GOS composition comprising90% by weight GOS and 10% by weight digestible saccharides. In thisfigure, a prebiotic composition contains a GOS composition (starting at0.42 g and increased to 6.74 g over 34 days) with 0% by weightadditional lactose. For example, the amount of 90% GOS compositionadministered can be about 0.42 g, 0.84 g, 1.26 g, 1.68 g, 2.11 g, 2.53g, 2.95 g, 3.37 g, 3.79 g, 4.21 g, 4.63 g, 5.05 g, 5.47 g, 5.89 g, 6.32g, or 6.74 g. In FIG. 8, the 93% GOS composition is a GOS compositioncomprising 90% by weight GOS (starting at 0.42 g and increased to 6.74 gover 34 days). For example, the amount of 93% GOS compositionadministered can be about 0.42 g, 0.84 g, 1.26 g, 1.68 g, 2.11 g, 2.53g, 2.95 g, 3.37 g, 3.79 g, 4.21 g, 4.63 g, 5.05 g, 5.47 g, 5.89 g, 6.32g, or 6.74 g. In FIG. 9, the 95% GOS composition is a GOS compositioncomprising 95% by weight GOS. For example, the amount of 95% GOScomposition administered can be about 0.42 g, 0.84 g, 1.26 g, 1.68 g,2.11 g, 2.53 g, 2.95 g, 3.37 g, 3.79 g, 4.21 g, 4.63 g, 5.05 g, 5.47 g,5.89 g, 6.32 g, or 6.74 g. In another embodiment, a prebioticcomposition contains a GOS composition (starting at a certain amount andincreasing to a maximum amount over 34 days) with additional lactose(starting at a certain amount and increasing to a maximum amount over 34days). In one embodiment a capsule containing GOS composition powder, isadministered to a subject in need thereof. At day 34, the subject inneed thereof has completed the protocol and can now enjoy dairy productspain-free. In one embodiment, no future protocol, supplements, ormedication is needed for these subjects in need thereof to consume dairyproducts. In another embodiment, the protocol can be re-administered asneeded.

In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition can be administered in a 16day program. Examples of 16 day programs are shown in Tables 2, 3, and4. Milk can be provided to the subject after completion of the 16 dayprogram.

TABLE 2 TWO EXAMPLES OF 16 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS Low High PM dose AMdose PM dose AM dose (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) Day 11.50 1.50 Day 1 1.50 1.50 Day 2 1.50 1.50 Day 2 1.50 1.50 Day 3 1.501.50 Day 3 1.50 1.50 Day 4 1.50 1.50 Day 4 1.50 1.50 Day 5 1.50 1.50 Day5 3.00 3.00 Day 6 1.50 1.50 Day 6 3.00 3.00 Day 7 1.50 1.50 Day 7 3.003.00 Day 8 1.50 1.50 Day 8 3.00 3.00 Day 9 3.00 3.00 Day 9 4.50 4.50 Day10 3.00 3.00 Day 10 4.50 4.50 Day 11 3.00 3.00 Day 11 4.50 4.50 Day 123.00 3.00 Day 12 4.50 4.50 Day 13 3.00 3.00 Day 13 6.00 6.00 Day 14 3.003.00 Day 14 6.00 6.00 Day 15 3.00 3.00 Day 15 6.00 6.00 Day 16 3.00 3.00Day 16 6.00 6.00  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk 10 oz Milk10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 ozMilk

TABLE 3 TWO EXAMPLES OF 16 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS Low High PM dose AMdose PM dose AM dose (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) Day 10.40 0.40 Day 1 1.20 1.20 Day 2 0.80 0.80 Day 2 1.20 1.20 Day 3 1.201.20 Day 3 1.20 1.20 Day 4 1.60 1.60 Day 4 3.00 3.00 Day 5 2.00 2.00 Day5 3.00 3.00 Day 6 2.40 2.40 Day 6 3.00 3.00 Day 7 2.80 2.80 Day 7 3.003.00 Day 8 3.20 3.20 Day 8 4.60 4.60 Day 9 3.60 3.60 Day 9 4.60 4.60 Day10 4.00 4.00 Day 10 4.60 4.60 Day 11 4.40 4.40 Day 11 4.60 4.60 Day 124.80 4.80 Day 12 6.10 6.10 Day 13 5.20 5.20 Day 13 6.10 6.10 Day 14 5.605.60 Day 14 6.10 6.10 Day 15 6.00 6.00 Day 15 6.10 6.10 Day 16 6.40 6.40Day 16 6.10 6.10  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk 10 oz Milk10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 ozMilk

TABLE 4 TWO EXAMPLES OF 16 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS PM dose AM dose (g ofGOS) (g of GOS) Day 1 3.00 Day 2 3.00 Day 3 3.00 Day 4 3.00 3.00 Day 53.00 3.00 Day 6 3.00 3.00 Day 7 3.00 3.00 Day 8 4.60 4.60 Day 9 4.604.60 Day 10 4.60 4.60 Day 11 4.60 4.60 Day 12 6.10 6.10 Day 13 6.10 6.10Day 14 6.10 6.10 Day 15 6.10 6.10 Day 16 6.10 6.10  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk

In another embodiment, a prebiotic composition can be administeredduring a 30 or 34 day treatment program. Examples of 30 and 34 daytreatment programs are shown in Tables 5, 6, and 7. Milk can be providedafter the treatment program.

TABLE 5 TWO EXAMPLES OF 30 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS Low High PM dose AMdose PM dose AM dose (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) Day 11.50 1.50 Day 1 3.00 Day 2 1.50 1.50 Day 2 3.00 Day 3 1.50 1.50 Day 33.00 Day 4 1.50 1.50 Day 4 3.00 3.00 Day 5 1.50 1.50 Day 5 3.00 3.00 Day6 1.50 1.50 Day 6 3.00 3.00 Day 7 1.50 1.50 Day 7 3.00 3.00 Day 8 1.501.50 Day 8 3.00 3.00 Day 9 1.50 1.50 Day 9 3.00 3.00 Day 10 1.50 1.50Day 10 3.00 3.00 Day 11 1.50 1.50 Day 11 4.60 4.60 Day 12 1.50 1.50 Day12 4.60 4.60 Day 13 1.50 1.50 Day 13 4.60 4.60 Day 14 1.50 1.50 Day 144.60 4.60 Day 15 1.50 1.50 Day 15 4.60 4.60 Day 16 3.00 3.00 Day 16 4.604.60 Day 17 3.00 3.00 Day 17 4.60 4.60 Day 18 3.00 3.00 Day 18 4.60 4.60Day 19 3.00 3.00 Day 19 4.60 4.60 Day 20 3.00 3.00 Day 20 4.60 4.60 Day21 3.00 3.00 Day 21 6.10 6.10 Day 22 3.00 3.00 Day 22 6.10 6.10 Day 233.00 3.00 Day 23 6.10 6.10 Day 24 3.00 3.00 Day 24 6.10 6.10 Day 25 3.003.00 Day 25 6.10 6.10 Day 26 3.00 3.00 Day 26 6.10 6.10 Day 27 3.00 3.00Day 27 6.10 6.10 Day 28 3.00 3.00 Day 28 6.10 6.10 Day 29 3.00 3.00 Day29 6.10 6.10 Day 30 3.00 3.00 Day 30 6.10 6.10  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8oz Milk  8 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 12 ozMilk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk

TABLE 6 TWO EXAMPLES OF A 30 AND 34 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM Low High PMdose AM dose PM dose AM dose (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS)Day 1 1.20 Day 1 0.40 Day 2 1.20 Day 2 0.40 Day 3 1.20 Day 3 0.40 Day 41.20 Day 4 0.80 Day 5 3.00 Day 5 1.20 Day 6 3.00 Day 6 1.60 Day 7 3.00Day 7 2.00 Day 8 3.00 Day 8 2.40 Day 9 4.60 Day 9 2.80 Day 10 4.60 Day10 3.20 Day 11 4.60 Day 11 3.60 Day 12 4.60 Day 12 4.00 Day 13 6.10 Day13 4.40 Day 14 6.10 1.20 Day 14 4.80 Day 15 6.10 1.20 Day 15 5.20 Day 166.10 1.20 Day 16 5.60 Day 17 6.10 1.20 Day 17 6.00 Day 18 6.10 3.00 Day18 6.40 Day 19 6.10 3.00 Day 19 6.40 0.40 Day 20 6.10 3.00 Day 20 6.400.80 Day 21 6.10 3.00 Day 21 6.40 1.20 Day 22 6.10 4.60 Day 22 6.40 1.60Day 23 6.10 4.60 Day 23 6.40 2.00 Day 24 6.10 4.60 Day 24 6.40 2.40 Day25 6.10 4.60 Day 25 6.40 2.80 Day 26 6.10 6.10 Day 26 6.40 3.20 Day 276.10 6.10 Day 27 6.40 3.60 Day 28 6.10 6.10 Day 28 6.40 4.00 Day 29 6.106.10 Day 29 6.40 4.40 Day 30 6.10 6.10 Day 30 6.40 4.80  8 oz Milk  8 ozMilk Day 31 6.40 5.20 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk Day 32 6.40 5.60 12 oz Milk12 oz Milk Day 33 6.40 6.00 Day 34 6.40 6.40  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk 10 ozMilk 10 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk

TABLE 7 EXAMPLES OF 30 DAY TREATMENT PROGRAMS Low High PM dose AM dosePM dose AM dose (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) (g of GOS) Day 1 1.201.20 Day 1 3.00 Day 2 1.20 1.20 Day 2 3.00 Day 3 1.20 1.20 Day 3 3.00Day 4 1.20 1.20 Day 4 3.00 3.00 Day 5 1.20 1.20 Day 5 3.00 3.00 Day 61.20 1.20 Day 6 3.00 3.00 Day 7 1.20 1.20 Day 7 3.00 3.00 Day 8 3.003.00 Day 8 3.00 3.00 Day 9 3.00 3.00 Day 9 3.00 3.00 Day 10 3.00 3.00Day 10 3.00 3.00 Day 11 3.00 3.00 Day 11 4.60 4.60 Day 12 3.00 3.00 Day12 4.60 4.60 Day 13 3.00 3.00 Day 13 4.60 4.60 Day 14 3.00 3.00 Day 144.60 4.60 Day 15 4.60 4.60 Day 15 4.60 4.60 Day 16 4.60 4.60 Day 16 4.604.60 Day 17 4.60 4.60 Day 17 4.60 4.60 Day 18 4.60 4.60 Day 18 4.60 4.60Day 19 4.60 4.60 Day 19 4.60 4.60 Day 20 4.60 4.60 Day 20 4.60 4.60 Day21 4.60 4.60 Day 21 6.10 6.10 Day 22 6.10 6.10 Day 22 6.10 6.10 Day 236.10 6.10 Day 23 6.10 6.10 Day 24 6.10 6.10 Day 24 6.10 6.10 Day 25 6.106.10 Day 25 6.10 6.10 Day 26 6.10 6.10 Day 26 6.10 6.10 Day 27 6.10 6.10Day 27 6.10 6.10 Day 28 6.10 6.10 Day 28 6.10 6.10 Day 29 6.10 6.10 Day29 6.10 6.10 Day 30 6.10 6.10 Day 30 6.10 6.10  8 oz Milk  8 oz Milk  8oz Milk  8 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 10 oz Milk 12 ozMilk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk 12 oz Milk

Dosages of prebiotics can be administered to a subject in gelatin caps“00”, which can hold between 0.546-1.092 g (e.g., of powder); gelatincaps “0”, which can hold between 0.408-0.816 g (e.g., of powder), andgelatin caps “#1”, which can hold between 0.300 and 0.600 g (e.g. ofpowder). For example, approximately 3 g of prebiotic composition can beadministered to a subject in three gelatin cap 00 pills. Approximately1.5 g of prebiotic composition can be administered two gelatin caps “00”or two gelatin caps “0.” A prebiotic composition can be measured using ascoop.

Variations in the doses and timing in which the prebiotic compositionsare administered can result in an effective treatment for increasingtolerance for lactose containing product. For example, the presenteddoses will be tested on subjects in need thereof. Thus, when applyingthe protocol of the present invention to younger subjects in needthereof, the weight of the subject might be a consideration. Forexample, a subject weighing 50 pounds (about 22.5 kg) can beadministered lower dosages of a prebiotic composition than an adult. Inanother embodiment the timing of administration of a prebioticcomposition to a pediatric subject can be different (e.g., once per dayfor 4 weeks) or the duration of administration can be shorter or longerthan the duration of administration to an adult.

In one embodiment the duration of administration of a prebioticcomposition to a pediatric subject is shorter than the duration ofadministration to an adult. In one embodiment the duration ofadministration of a prebiotic composition to a pediatric subject islonger than the duration of administration to an adult.

In one embodiment the amount of a prebiotic composition administered toa subject can be proportionally adjusted based on the subject's weight.Although the doses are disclosed as being administered with breakfastand dinner, alternatively the order of the doses can be switched, or canbe administered at other times of the day with meals such as lunch orsnacks (or conceivably with no meals). The program can also be reducedinto a shortened or lengthened program. In one embodiment a program ofadministration of a prebiotic composition to a subject in need thereofcan be an abbreviated 1 week program or it can be lengthened up to a 10week program. Although the methods and compositions herein have beendescribed for use in humans, they are also capable of being administeredto other mammals.

VI. Kits

In another aspect, the invention provides kits for the treatment of thesymptoms of lactose intolerance. The kits include a prebioticcomposition in suitable packaging for use by a subject in need thereofin the treatment of one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance. Any ofthe compositions described herein can be packaged in the form of a kit.A kit can contain an amount of a prebiotic composition and, optionally,other ingredients as described herein, sufficient for an entire courseof treatment, or for a portion of a course of treatment. Thus, in oneembodiment, a kit can include sufficient prebiotic composition for thefirst, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks of treatment, oradditional weeks of treatment if used, or any combination thereof. Dosesof a prebiotic composition can be individually packaged, or theprebiotic composition can be provided in bulk, or combinations thereof.In one embodiment the individually packaged prebiotic composition isprovided as a tablet, caplet, capsule or container of powder. In anotherembodiment the prebiotic composition is provided in a controlled releaseformulation. In another embodiment the prebiotic composition is providedas a formulation with an enteric coating. Thus, in one embodiment, a kitprovides, in suitable packaging, individual doses of a prebioticcomposition that correspond to dosing points in a treatment regimen,wherein the doses are packaged in one or more packages intended for usein the treatment of symptoms of lactose intolerance. For example, a kitcan contain doses of a prebiotic composition, as described herein, for atreatment program, where the prebiotic composition is taken inincreasing doses, so that individual packets of a prebiotic compositionare increasing in amount of a prebiotic composition contained in thepacket, from lower doses intended for use at the start of the program tohigher doses as the program progresses. As doses are provided for laterpoints in the program, two or more doses per day can be provided, eachin its individual packet. Each packet can be labeled to indicate the dayand time of day that it is intended to be taken, or the packagingcontaining the packets can be so labeled, or both. A “packet,” as usedin this context, is any individual container that contains a prebioticcomposition, whether the prebiotic composition is in solid or liquidform, and can include a packet that contains powder, tablets, or pills,or a packet that contains a liquid.

In one embodiment, the prebiotic composition can be provided in bulk ina single container, or in two, three, four, five, or more than fivecontainers (e.g., where each container contains enough of a prebioticcomposition for a particular week of a treatment program). If more thanone bulk container is provided, the bulk containers can be suitablypackaged together to provide sufficient prebiotic composition for all ora portion of a treatment protocol. The container or containers can belabeled with a label indicating information useful to the subject inneed thereof performing the treatment protocol, such as dosingschedules.

The prebiotic composition can be packaged with other suitablesubstances, such as probiotic bacteria, FOS, or buffer, as describedherein. The other substance or substances can be packaged separatelyfrom the prebiotic composition, or mixed with the prebiotic composition,or combinations thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, kits of the inventioninclude a powder or liquid containing all the ingredients intended to beused in a course of treatment or a portion of a course of treatment,e.g., a prebiotic composition and optionally a probiotic, FOS, or abuffer. In one embodiment, a prebiotic composition is packaged in onepackage or set of packages, and additional components, such as bacteria,FOS, or buffer, are packaged separately from the prebiotic composition.

Kits can further include written materials, such as instructions,expected results, testimonials, explanations, warnings, clinical data,information for health professionals, and the like. In one embodiment,the kits contain a label or other information indicating that the kit isonly for use under the direction of a health professional, such as adietician, nutritionist, nurse, physician, or other appropriate healthprofessional. In another embodiment, the kits contain or includeinformation, such as a label, designating the material within as amedical food.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a kit that includes acontainer of powder, where the powder includes a prebiotic composition,and optionally FOS, bacteria, or buffer, and a label on the containerthat indicates proper dosage and schedule of use for the powder. Thecontainer can further include scoops or other measuring or servingdevices. In one embodiment, the invention provides a kit that includes acontainer of liquid, where the liquid includes a prebiotic compositionand additionally FOS, bacteria, or buffer, and a label on the containerthat indicates proper dosage and schedule of use for the liquid. Thecontainer can further include measuring or serving devices.

VI. Business Methods

The invention also provides business methods for marketing compositionsand methods for the treatment of the symptoms of lactose intolerance orfor overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. In one embodiment,the invention provides a method of doing business that includesmarketing a composition for the treatment of symptoms of lactoseintolerance wherein the treatment is by administering increasing dosesof a prebiotic composition according to any of the methods describedherein, optionally in combination with other substances such as FOS,lactose, bacteria, and buffers. In one embodiment, the composition ispart of a kit, as described herein. The methods can further includeproducing such compositions or kits. The marketing can be directly tothe consumer, or to suitable health professionals, or combinationsthereof. The methods of marketing used in these embodiments of theinvention include, but are not limited to, print, television, or radiocommercials, infomercials, internet advertising, testimonials, word ofmouth, telemarketing, and the like.

Also provided herein is a method of doing business such as providing aprebiotic composition as described herein to another entity thatmanufactures an already existing brand or product (such as a drink ordairy product) already available to the public. Methods encompass amethod of doing business comprising marketing a prebiotic compositionfor use with an existing brand or product (drink or dairy product),wherein the prebiotic composition, when combined with the existing brandor product, causes the existing brand or product to have the addedbeneficial effects of lactose intolerance treatment or improving overallGI health.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Clinical Trial Synopsis

A Phase 2b, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will beconducted of RP-G28—(a 96% GOS composition, by weight) versus placebo insubjects with moderate to severe symptoms on a hydrogen breath test,milk challenge, and stool bacterial analysis that are associated withlactose intolerance.

There will be two primary study objectives of the clinical trial:

-   -   1. The first primary objective will be to assess the ability of        a 30 day treatment with RP-G28 to improve lactose digestion and        tolerance in 60 subjects in comparison with placebo (n=30), and        to determine if their symptoms caused by a lactose challenge        during their Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT) are reduced 90 days        after the end of treatment, and to demonstrate that any effect        observed at the end of the 30 days persists for at least 90 days        after treatment is completed.    -   2. The second primary objective will be to assess the safety of        RP-G28 in this population by assessing adverse events throughout        the period on RP-G28 or placebo and the ability to tolerate the        drug. This will be assessed by data collected at weekly        telephone calls during the 30 days of treatment, and every other        week calls for the next three months after the treatment is        completed.

There will be five secondary study objectives:

-   -   1. Patient compliance will be measured by subject responses at        weekly telephone calls and by assessing the amount of RP-G28 or        placebo the subject returns at the end of treatment when they        visit the clinic for their HBT.    -   2. RP-G28 and placebo groups will be compared in terms of their        symptom scores in the presence of dairy intake (Days 35 to 90)        versus their original baseline (historical) scores.    -   3. The duration of any improvement in symptoms reported during        the HBT observed at the end of treatment (Day 30) will be        evaluated by comparing symptom scores at the end of treatment        with those obtained during the HBT three months later for the        active treatment and placebo groups.    -   4. The effect observed at the end of treatment (Day 30) versus        baseline will be assessed by comparing the decreased scores of        those on treatment versus those on placebo, using scores        obtained on a lactose challenge in the two HBT.    -   5. The trial will compare the amount of dairy products ingested        during days 35 to 90 versus baseline in the two groups, as        measured from a dietary sheet completed by subjects.

Study Design: This will be a parallel group trial of a 30-day course onRP-G28 (total n=60 subjects) or placebo (n=30 subjects) following adosing schedule to be provided to each subject. Subjects will beenrolled who exceed a pre-specified level of symptoms on a lactosechallenge test during the HBT at baseline. This test will be repeated atthe end of treatment and approximately three months later. Each of threesymptoms of lactose intolerance (see next paragraph) will be assessedhourly as 0 (no symptoms); 1 (mild symptoms); 2 (moderate symptoms); 3(strong symptoms); and 4 (severe symptoms). Adverse events will becollected at weekly telephone calls for six weeks and calls every otherweek for the next three months, as well as during each visit to theclinic where the HBT is conducted. Patients will be instructed to eat afixed amount of dairy portions during days 35 to 90 (3 to 7 dairyservings per week, where the definition of a serving is defined on aninstruction sheet to be given to each subject).

Rationale for the Doses to be Used: The goal of this study will be todevelop tolerance in subjects who are lactose intolerant, and a primaryprinciple of developing tolerance is to gradually increase the dose ofthe drug. The doses of RP-G28 (given once daily in sachets) will begradually increased over Days 1 to 19 to reach the level of lactoseequivalent to that in an 8 ounce (about 226 g) glass of milk (oneserving of dairy). During the second half of the dose titration, thesachets will contain the equivalence of 8 ounces (about 226 g) of milkin the PM, while a second set of the same incremental doses used overDays 3-19 will be repeated in the AM. Once subjects receive theequivalence of 8 ounces (about 226 g) of milk twice daily, dosages willbe further increased to reach the equivalence of 12 ounces (about 340 g)of milk in both the morning and afternoon. This level of 12 ounces(about 340 g) of milk is chosen to develop tolerance to a total of threeservings of dairy per day, the recommended level in the US DietaryGuidelines to meet calcium and other nutrient needs. This approach haspreviously been used successfully in many thousands of patients. In thisclinical trial each day's dosage will be individually labeled in asachet and printed with instructions for how to take it with water.

Primary Clinical Endpoint: The severity of three symptoms of lactoseintolerance: gas, diarrhea, and “stomach pain” (any bloating, cramps orstomach pain) on ingesting 20 grams of lactose in solution will beassessed during the HBT.

To be enrolled subjects can experience one of the three following scoresduring baseline testing:

-   -   a. at least one strong or severe score (i.e., 3 or 4) on a        single symptom on at least two time points during the six hour        HBT;    -   b. at least two moderate scores (i.e., 2 each) on a single        symptom on at least two time points during the six hour HBT; or    -   c. at least one moderate score or greater (i.e., a 2 or more) on        each of two symptoms on at least two time points during the six        hour HBT.

However, the efficacy of RP-G28 will be assessed by calculating theaverage score for subjects on RP-G28 versus those on placebo. Scoreswill be based on the following rating system: 0 (no symptoms); 1 (mildsymptoms); 2 (moderate symptoms); 3 (strong symptoms) and 4 (severesymptoms). Therefore the maximal score is 3 (symptoms) times 6 hourlyreports times 4 points maximally or 72. This score will be assessedduring each of the three HBT evaluations, at baseline, within one weekof completing the 30 day program and three months later. No distinctionwill be made between the importance of the three symptoms, and therewill not be any weighting of the scores based on the specific symptom.The primary assessment of efficacy will be determined by comparing thedecrease in the average score (baseline score minus the score at 90 daysafter the end of treatment) for those receiving RP-G28 versus thosereceiving placebo. (See the statistical section for additional details).The baseline score minus the score at the end of treatment will be asecondary measure of efficacy.

Secondary Clinical Endpoints:

-   -   1. Symptom score of lactose intolerance collected on        questionnaires presented to subjects at baseline and read over        the telephone every other week during Days 38 to 90. (Note that        these scores will not be obtained during the HBT).    -   2. Score of the amount of hydrogen on the HBT in parts per        million at the end of the trial and three months later, as        compared with the amount at baseline. Hydrogen will be measured        hourly during the six hour test and the sum of the six hour        production will be compared to the baseline test.    -   3. Symptom scores after the lactose challenge during the HBT at        the end of the 30-day treatment versus the baseline score.    -   4. Symptom scores after the lactose challenge during the HBT at        three months after the treatment is completed versus the        symptoms score at the end of the 30-day treatment.

Number of Subjects: A total of 90 subjects will be enrolled, 60 subjectsin the active treatment group and 30 in the placebo group. It isanticipated that three clinical trial sites will be used. The unbalancednumber of patients per group will be used to stimulate recruitment andto encourage subjects to enroll in the trial. The power of this trial isdiscussed in the statistical section. Subjects who do not complete theinitial post-treatment HBT will be replaced to obtain 60 and 30completers in the two groups.

Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance: Patients can have symptoms of lactoseintolerance with a total score of at least 8 for any one of the threesymptoms or a total score of 16 for the three symptoms evaluated, onbeing challenged with 14 g of lactose solution during the HBT, whetheror not the HBT data for hydrogen are positive. The HBT will be conductedin the investigator's clinic or other facility and will consist of 14 gof lactose in solution, with a positive score defined at 10 parts permillion of hydrogen above the subject's baseline at anytime during thesix hour treatment. Patients with a positive HBT will be defined aslactose maldigesters. Because of the relatively large number of bothfalse positives and false negatives reported in the literature with theHBT (although it is a diagnostic tool available for lactose intolerance)it is not scientifically appropriate to only enroll patients with apositive HBT and also symptoms of lactose intolerance. Therefore, theHBT is primarily used to evaluate symptoms of lactose intolerance andnot the amount of hydrogen produced, although the latter will be used asa secondary endpoint.

Major Inclusion Criteria:

-   -   1. Subjects of either sex aged 12 years and above.    -   2. History of intolerance to milk and other dairy products of at        least three months duration.    -   3. During the lactose challenge (during the HBT) subjects can        have one of the following ratings of their symptoms:        -   a. At least one score of strong or severe on any one            symptom.        -   b. At least two scores of moderate on one symptom.        -   c. At least one score of moderate on each of two symptoms.    -   4. An HBT will also be administered to assess the amount of        hydrogen produced. Note that there is no specific score on the        amount of hydrogen measured in the HBT required for entry, but        10 parts per million of hydrogen above baseline is an amount        that can be used to classify the patient as a lactose        maldigester.    -   5. Subjects can agree to refrain from all other treatments and        products used for lactose intolerance during the trial.

Duration of Treatment: 30-days on investigational treatment, followed bya HBT and a three month period to evaluate the duration of any benefit.

Dropouts: Subjects who drop out or are discontinued will not bereplaced.

Study Drug Dose and Mode of Administration: RP-G28 will beself-administered by subjects on an out-patient basis using a dosingschedule to be provided. RP-G28 will be packaged in individual sachetpacks for dilution in water. Each pack will be labeled with the studyday and time (i.e., am or pm).

Comparator Therapy: Placebo (dextrose) will be given in equal amountsand using the same dosing schedule and packaging as RP-G28.

Subjects will be asked about symptoms and also about the amount of dairyintake at their weekly or bi-weekly telephone calls.

Criteria for Evaluation

Efficacy Measures: A five point Likert scale (severe (4), strong (3),moderate (2), mild (1) or none (0)) will be used to score each of thethree cardinal signs of lactose intolerance (i.e., gas, diarrhea, andcramps). The scale will be used following the HBT and during thebi-weekly telephone calls for the following three months after treatmentis completed (Days 35 to 90). Note that the form for cramps willindicate to the subjects that it includes abdominal pain and bloating,which maintains the three cardinal signs. Experts in this field statethat many, if not most, patients cannot separate these three overlappingsymptoms (i.e. cramps, bloating, and abdominal pain), and that it makesmost sense to refer to three cardinal signs (i.e. gas, diarrhea, andcramps).

Safety Assessments: The incidence and severity of adverse events, bloodpressure, and heart rate will be assessed during the three HBTs, andadverse events will be solicited during the weekly (Days 1-30) and thebi-weekly (Days 35-90) telephone calls to subjects using a standardscript that will be read to them.

Statistical Plan: Hydrogen production during the HBT and symptomcomparisons will be evaluated according to the method of Hertzler andSavaiano (1996).

Efficacy Measures: The primary efficacy assessment will be made bycomparing changes in symptoms reported by each group during the HBTafter the lactose challenge. Secondary efficacy will be assessed byresponses to symptom questionnaires administered by telephone atbi-weekly intervals during the three month follow-up period. Finally,the reported amount of dairy portions ingested by subjects in each groupwill be compared for Days 35-90.

The primary efficacy measure for this study will be the total symptomscore during the HBT lactose challenges (maximum score=72) at baseline,following treatment, and 90 days following treatment. Primary efficacywill be analyzed through a 2 group (Treatment and Control)×2 time points(baseline and 90 days after 30 days of treatment) analysis of variance(ANOVA) for alpha at 0.05. Using the results of Landon, et al. (2006),the power for this study (with 60 Treatment vs. 30 Control subjects) is95%. Note that the primary assessment of efficacy is 90 days after theend of the 30-day treatment, which will demonstrate that the effectpersists for at least three months past the time of treatment.

The secondary efficacy measure is to compare the scores of lactoseintolerance symptoms obtained during the HBT challenge conducted threemonths after treatment with scores obtained at baseline and at the endof treatment. This analysis will be conducted employing a 2 group×3 timepoints ANOVA.

Another secondary efficacy measure of bi-weekly subject reports will becomputed and charted on patient listings, but not subjected to analysissince they are based on self-reporting of symptoms under non-standardconditions.

Finally, breath hydrogen concentrations will be summed for hours 1 to 6after lactose challenge during the HBT at each of the three HBTevaluations. These scores will also be compared using a 2 group×3 timepoints ANOVA for significant differences in mean breath hydrogenconcentrations.

Safety Measures

Summary statistics will be calculated for subject disposition,demographics, and baseline characteristics, patient compliance, bloodpressure and heart rate. All adverse events will be recorded andreported for subjects in both Treatment and Control groups. These willbe presented as lists, appropriate figures and in summary tables. AllSerious Adverse Events will be reported to regulatory agencies perregulations and guidelines.

Subjects will visit the clinic once at baseline for screening andbaseline assessments. Those who sign an informed consent and pass thelactose challenge given during HBT, and also the other screeningevaluations will be randomized and given sachets of RP-G28 or placebo totake according to an attached sheet that labeled with each day and timeof treatment. A page of instructions will also be provided. Subjectswill return to clinic (with their unused medication) for a follow-up HBTwithin a week of completing the 30-day treatment period. A follow-upvisit will take place approximately three months after the second HBT,for a lactose challenge and final HBT.

Time and Events Chart: Subjects will be evaluated for adverse events,blood pressure and heart rate at each clinic visit. Safety with takingRP-G28 or placebo will be evaluated weekly during the 30-day treatmentperiod and adverse events will be assessed during biweekly telephonecalls from Day 35 to 90.

Dosage Schedule: RP-G28 is a powder that will be ingested orally for 30days using the regimen that follows the schedule to be provided atbaseline after subjects are enrolled.

Subjects will not use any dairy products from Days 1 to 30 apart fromwhat is listed in their instructions. From Days 35 to Day 90 subjectswill be instructed to take from 3 to 7 dairy servings per week. All ofthe specific details will be presented in the full protocol.

Example 2 Study of GOS Treatment of Subjects

Subjects will take a 90% purity level GOS compound according to theschedule in Table 8.

The subjects will be instructed to daily measure the exact dosage amountin Table 8 with the scoops provided and mix the powder in 6 to 8 ounces(about 170 to 226 g) of room temperature water. The mixtures will bestirred for 2 minutes before drinking. Alternatively, subjects will takegel capsules containing GOS. Subjects will be instructed not to skip anydoses; if dosing for a day is forgotten, subjects will be instructed toback up a day in the routine and not to double on doses. The subjectswill conduct self reported symptom scoring before, after, and 30 daysthereafter program. A likert scale scoring system will be used: 1-5symptom rating [(1) no symptoms, (2) minor symptoms, (3) moderatesymptoms, (4) strong symptoms, (5) severe symptoms)] of subject'sreported gas, cramps, bloating and/or diarrhea from dairy consumption.

TABLE 8 DOSING SCHEDULE FOR SMALL STUDY OF GOS TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS PMdosage AM dosage Day 1 0.40 Day 2 0.40 Day 3 0.40 Day 4 0.80 Day 5 1.20Day 6 1.60 Day 7 2.00 Day 8 2.40 Day 9 2.80 Day 10 3.20 Day 11 3.60 Day12 4.00 Day 13 4.40 Day 14 4.80 Day 15 5.20 Day 16 5.60 Day 17 6.00 Day18 6.40 Day 19 6.40 0.40 Day 20 6.40 0.80 Day 21 6.40 1.20 Day 22 6.401.60 Day 23 6.40 2.00 Day 24 6.40 2.40 Day 25 6.40 2.80 Day 26 6.40 3.20Day 27 6.40 3.60 Day 28 6.40 4.00 Day 29 6.40 4.40 Day 30 6.40 4.80 Day31 6.40 5.20 Day 32 6.40 5.60 Day 33 6.40 6.00 Day 34 6.40 6.40

Example 3 Growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains in a GOSSolution

The growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated inscratch MRS (Table 9) supplemented with either 2% glucose or 2% GOS andautomatically monitored by determining the change in absorbance (A600)as a function of the time using a FLUOStar OPTIMA microtiter platereader. The strains were incubated at 37.degree. C. aerobically. Resultsare shown in FIG. 12. Some strains were grown under anaerobic conditionsat 37.degree. C. and OD's were read manually over time, when indicated.

TABLE 9 SCRATCH MRS FORMULA Amount (g) Reagents per Liter Proteosepeptone N3 10.0 Beef extract 10.0 Yeast extract 5.0 Polysorbate 80 1.0Ammonium citrate 2.0 Sodium acetate 5.0 Magnesium sulfate 0.1 Manganesesulfate 0.05 Dipotassium phosphate 2.0 Glucose or GOS 20

Example 4 Purification of a GOS Composition

FIGS. 13A and B illustrate HPLC chromatograms of GOS compositions of thepresent invention before (13A) and after (13B) a purification procedure.

Example 5 Comparative Growth of Bifidobacterium Species onGalactooligosaccharides

The objective of the study was to determine the ability of variousBifidobacterium species and strains to grow on galactooligosaccharides

The growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated inscratch MRS (Table 10) supplemented with 2% of a carbohydrate solution.The carbohydrates used in the experiments were: Glucose—Fisher;Lactose—Fisher; GOS1—95% GOS purity from Inalco SPA—Provided by RitterPharmaceuticals; GOS2—90% GOS purity from GTC—provided by RitterPharmaceuticals.

Carbohydrate stock solutions were filter sterilized and then added toeither a scratch MRS formulation (table 1), or a semisynthetic mediumTable 11.

TABLE 10 SCRATCH MRS COMPOSITION Amount (g) Reagents per Liter Proteosepeptone N3 10.0 Beef extract 10.0 Yeast extract 5.0 Polysorbate 80 1.0Ammonium citrate 2.0 Sodium acetate 5.0 Magnesium sulfate 0.1 Manganesesulfate 0.05 Dipotassium phosphate 2.0 Glucose or GOS 20

TABLE 11: Semisynthetic medium for Escherichia coli (Barrangou, R., E.Altermann, R. Hutkins, R. Cano, and T. Klaenhammer. 2003. Functional andcomparative genomic analyses of an operon involved infructooligosaccharide utilization by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Proc.Nat. Acad. Sci. USA. 100: 8957-8962).

TABLE 11    1% bactopeptone (w/v) (Difco)  0.5% yeast extract (w/v)(Difco)  0.2% dipotassium phosphate (w/v) (Fisher)  0.5% sodium acetate(w/v) (Fisher)  0.2% ammonium citrate (w/v) (Sigma)  0.02% magnesiumsulfate (w/v) (Fisher) 0.005% manganese sulfate (w/v) (Fisher)  0.1%Tween 80 (v/v) (Sigma). Carbohydrates were added at 2%.

Culture Methods: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium cultures werepropagated in MRS broth overnight, and then transferred once through thetest medium. For growth experiments, cultures were inoculated into theMRS scratch medium containing one of the 4 carbohydrates to be examined.Growth was monitored either: **automatically, using a FLUOStar OPTIMAmicrotiter plate reader to monitor the change in absorbance (A600) as afunction of the time. The strains were incubated at 37 C aerobically forthese experiments; or ** manually, using a standard spectrophotometer tomonitor the change in OD600 nm over time, in 5 ml liquid culture tubes.These cultures were incubated anaerobically at 37.degree. C. in a COYanaerobic chamber, flushed with anaerobic gas.

Species Identification: All bifidobacterial cultures used in theseexperiments were confirmed by taxonomic identification using 16S rRNAsequencing, via standard methods (Kullen, M. J., R. B. Sanozky Dawes, D.C. Crowell and T R Klaenhammer (2000) Use of DNA sequence of variableregions of the 16SrRNA gene for rapid and accurate identification ofbacteria in the Lactobacillus acidophilus complex. J. Appl, Microbiol.89:511-518.

Results: FIGS. 14-18 illustrate the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilusNCFM and various strains of Bifidobacterium and Escherichia coli overtime. Key conclusions from these data are detailed below.

First, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM grows equally well on GOS1 (95%)as on glucose, indicating that the microbe efficiently metabolizes GOS1(95%) (FIG. 14).

Second, six different species of Bifidobacterium were examined for theirability to grow on GOS1 (95%) (FIGS. 15 & 16). The results showed thatmost strains grew on GOS 1 (95%), but at rates that were slower thanwhen growing on glucose. The exceptions were B. pseudolongum which grewequally well on GOS1 (95%) and glucose (FIG. 15), and B. adolescentis,which grew better on GOS1 (95%) than on glucose. The species of B.adolescentis and B. longum predominate in the feces of adult humans.(Hoover, D G. 2000. Bifidobacterium. Pp 210-217. In The Encyclopedia ofFood Microbiology. Carl Batt and P. D. Patel (Eds). Academic Press, SanDiego.

Third, five different species of Bifidobacterium were also examined fortheir comparative growth on four different carbohydrate sources;glucose, lactose, GOS1 (95%) and GOS2 (90%) (FIGS. 17 & 18). Notable inthese results was that all four of the species grew reasonably well onGOS, but in each case slightly better on GOS2 (90%), than on GOS 1(95%). This difference was attributed to the larger percentage of simplecarbohydrates present in the GOS2 sample. These contaminatingcarbohydrates would be expected to be galactose, lactose and glucose,all of which could stimulate slightly more growth from the GOS2substrate. The B. bifidum strain used in the experiments grew poorly onall carbohydrates. Surprisingly, none of the Bifidobacterium strainsused in these experiments grew on lactose, except for B. pseudolongum.It is speculated that contaminating glucose carried over from theinitial propagation cultures in standard MRS broth may have beensufficient to elicit catabolite repression of the lactose metabolicpathways during these experiments.

Fourth, three different strains of Escherichia coli were examined fortheir ability to grow on GOS 1 (95%) and GOS2 (90%) (FIG. 18). Theresults show that the E. coli strains could not grow on GOS1 (95%), orin the absence of added carbohydrate (control). In contrast, all threestrains grew well on GOS2 (90%) at rates that were comparable to growthon glucose. The results indicate that the 10% contaminatingcarbohydrates (e.g. glucose, galactose, lactose) in the GOS2 (90%)sample were sufficient to stimulate growth of E. coli strains to levelsequal to free glucose. These results argue for the importance of thepurity of the GOS compound in order to promote growth of the targetedbeneficial microbes in the GI tract (e.g. lactobacilli andbifidobacteria), rather than stimulate E. coli and potentially othercoliform bacteria in the GI tract.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein can be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a GOScomposition comprising at least 95% by weight galactooligosaccharides(GOS) and 5% or less by weight digestible saccharides, wherein the GOScomposition comprises about 5-25% pentasaccharides.
 2. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the GOS composition doesnot contain a probiotic.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1,wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 4. The pharmaceutical compositionof claim 1, wherein the GOS composition comprises about 0.1 to about 20g of GOS by weight.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1,wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an enteric coating. 6.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said dosage form isformulated for controlled release.
 7. The pharmaceutical composition ofclaim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises less thanabout 10 ppm heavy metals.
 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1,wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises less than about 0.10%by weight sulphated ash.
 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1,wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a flavoringand/or colorant.
 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, whereinthe excipient is silicone dioxide or microcrystalline cellulose.
 11. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the microcrystallinecellulose is silicified microcrystalline cellulose.
 12. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the GOS compositioncomprises about 5-20% pentasaccharides.
 13. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 1, wherein the GOS composition comprises about5-15% pentasaccharides.
 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1,wherein the GOS composition comprises about 5-10% pentasaccharides. 15.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the GOS compositioncomprises about 5-20% pentasaccharides.
 16. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 5, wherein the GOS composition comprises about5-15% pentasaccharides.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5,wherein the GOS composition comprises about 5-10% pentasaccharides.